About The Timbermill
Timbermill Studios - BulliThe Timbermill Studios – a unique creative space in the northern beach suburbs of Wollongong
Builder and Arts Entrepreneur Joe McGuinness purchased the mill in 2012 with a vision to create an arts hub for the local community where locals and visitors could work, meet, eat, drink and get involved in the arts.
Initially a working saw mill, Joe has gradually transformed it into a creative hub, making use of the buildings unique features and continuing the hand-made ethos of its history. With the creative input of its tenants, the Timbermill continues to be divided into studios and workspaces, with a flexible layout enabling a number of creative uses. Among the studio residents are well-known painters, ceramicists, potters, a glass artist, event stylist, architects, graphic designers, woodworkers and a surfboard maker!
With its outdoor green spaces and soaring industrial ceilings, the Mill is also a space for hire, where local government, businesses, charities and community groups hold events, classes, meetings, festivals, charity auctions and art openings.
History of the Mill
By the Illawarra Mercury, Photos by Greg Ellis
Mr Grafenauer operated Molloy Timber with his wife, Pamela, for 38 years, hanging up his tool belt in March 2013.
This marked the end of more than a century of sawmilling in Wollongong’s northern suburbs – but not the end of the timber mill’s place as a home for craftspeople.
Mr Grafenauer migrated from Austria where he had learnt his craft by restoring antiques and palace doors that were destroyed during World War II. He bought the mill in 1975 from the Molloy family, who opened a steam-driven sawmill called Molloy Brothers in the early 1900s.
In the first few years of operation, Molloy Brothers’ timber was delivered from the top of Bulli Pass by bullock wagon.
For the last 20 years operating the mill, the Grafenauers ran popular woodworking classes, teaching hundreds of Illawarra people to craft beautiful furniture and children’s toys to their meticulous standards.
Mr McGuinness transformed Timber Mill Studios six years ago, when he acquired the property after running a similar space in Sydney for 15 years.
“We spent our time making studios and all the different spaces,” he said.
“There are 32 tenants now. Everything from kiln spaces out the back to what I call production studios for things like screen printing and heavy sculpture.”
“There are painting studios upstairs with photography at the front.
“In the middle we have some design studios for graphic artists and computer-based businesses.
“There are also warehouse spaces for homewares and fashion.”
Upcoming Events & Timbermill News
Storm Exhibition – Margaret Mylott
22 November 2018
These Illawarra storm scenes illuminate the wildness of nature and reveal how its elemental forces evoke excitement, inviting us to leave the safety of our own comfortable, familiar shores. 22 Nov – 2 Dec 2018.
Save the date! The Timbermill Studios Artists are showcasing at Wollongong City Gallery
9 November 2018
Opening night! Come down to Wollongong for some terrific art from our in-house artists who are showcasing their immense and multi-award winning talents at the Wollongong City Gallery.
Pilates Arrives at the Timbermill Studios
We welcome a fabulous new tenant to the Timbermill Studio, Pilates instructor Kristi Bray. Pilates works on every single muscle in the body. The benefits are amazing especially post baby. It is a great form of exercise to strengthen your core and to improve tone, flexibility and posture.