SYDNEY MINT MUSEUM EASTER HOLIDAYS APRIL 1 - 6 THIN SKINNED GOLD - 11.15 to 11.45 AND 1.30 to 2.15 Take a close look at gold and gold-decorated objects and find out how this magical metal is turned into thread, leaf or powder. GOLDEN SOUNDS - 11.15 to 12.00, 12.45 to 1.15 AND 2.00 to 2.30 Anna Fitzgerald will fill the museum with the lovely sound of her harp while you discover the elaborately decorated gilded harp in the Gods, Gowns and Dental Crowns exhibition. Nothing less than the real thing is good enough for a superb instrument. 'Gilding a harp' say the Burmese 'honours it...the non-corroding metal that symbolises truth, immortality and life'. THE ART OF PORCELAIN PAINTING - 11.00 to 12.45 AND 1.30 to 3.00 Creative craftworker Inge Coutelas demonstrates the art of porcelain painting on china eggs. Come and see her at work and talk with her about the techniques she uses. EGG-STRAVAGANZA! - 10.15 to 11.45 AND 1.00 to 2.45 A highlight of the Sydney Mint Museum is the display of over 20 emu eggs. Have fun in decorating your very own styrofoam egg using rice paper, beads and gold threads. Kids and even grown-ups will love this hands-on workshop. SYDNEY MINT MUSEUM HERITAGE WEEK 1997 20 - 27 APRIL DISCOVER OUR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE The Sydney Mint Museum is one of the oldest public buildings in the metropolitan area. Begun in 1811 as part of Lachlan Macquarie's 'rum' hospital, it was converted to a branch of the Royal Mint in 1854 when a kit factory building was erected behind the Georgian hospital wing. During Heritage Week, special tours will focus on the architecture of the site and the history behind the building. Group bookings can be made on (02) 9217 0311. LIVING HISTORY A special feature of Heritage Week will be historian and master craftsman Bob Crosbie. Bob is an expert in convict and colonial woodworking, including both carpentry and joinery, combining a rare knowledge of the people who planned, supervised and built historic Sydney with the practical skills of the traditional woodworker. You can see him at work, using original 1800s tools, and ask questions about convict and colonial craftspeople and practices every day in Heritage Week from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm (weekdays) and from 11.00 to 3.00 pm weekends. For information and bookings, please contact Joanne Monsalve on (02) 9217 0311