A Life in Tools

A museum display at Walton Library showcasing over 150 woodworking tools belonging to Walton carpenter William Thomas Hirons, discovered in an old tool chest.

Elmbridge Museum presents a display of more than 150 woodworking tools found in an old tool chest during a store upgrade. The tools belonged to William Thomas Hirons (1869-1954), a local carpenter whose working life spanned nearly 70 years, and the chest also contained his tool bag, sharpening equipment, lock and key, metal stamps and sawdust. Using photographs and records from the museum's collection, the display pieces together the story of the man behind the tools. It can be viewed during Walton Library's open hours.