Gary Roberts

An Ephemerist, Living In Dedham.

Newly retired. Which is to say I collect, read about, study and attempt to organize an ever-changing collection of ephemera and books related to traditional tools, trades, crafts and industries. On occasion I pick up a hand tool to work some wood. More often than not, I'm reading about the same.

Previously a card-carrying member of the antique tool collecting community, my interests gradually transferred themselves to the realm of paper. Whenever I looked into the history of a particular tool, trade or industry, the path always led to books. Books led to ephemera. Both led to a greater interest in stuff made of paper than the tools and trades to which they referred.

In all fairness, I do make time for my wife as well as two Maine Coon Cats. In that order. Except when the cats demand attention. Plus Anime, Korean movies (I used to be a Hong Kong movie fanatic but that genre bit the dust with the changeover) and Akira Kurosawa Movies.

Peruse my blog and my website www.toolemera.com and you'll see from whence I came and to where I am going.