Preserving heritage: The enduring artistry of clock repair and woodworking in an age of rapid technological change
Original article was published here.
Liljana Bogojevic and Blagoja Trpkov, in their late 70s, are part of the decreasing number of traditional craftsmen in Serbia and Macedonia. Their dedication to clock repairment and woodworking creates a strong contrast to the youth’s fading interest in old crafts. Their work highlights the endangered nature of these arts in our modern, technology-driven world.
Kazandzijsko sokace (Coppersmith alley) is the only preserved part of the old town (bazaar) in Nis (city in Serbia), and it dates back to the 18th century. Today it is one of the most popular places for drinking coffee and day or night outings.
During the time of the Ottoman Empire, this was an artisan quarter — Sagr Cincar mahala. At the end of the 19th century, there were mostly coppersmiths in this alley, hence the name. After the First World War, the street was named Kopitareva, but the residents of Nis unanimously still call it Kazandzisko sokace.
Not far from Kazandzijsko Sokace, on Obilicev Venac Street, there is a clock workshop of the oldest and, for a long time, the only woman watchmaker in Serbia – Ljiljana Bogojevic, or as she introduced herself, Ljiljana Tosic, as she said „so my husband doesn’t get angry“.
Namely, when Ljiljana got married, she officially kept her maiden surname, which must have been very unusual for her time, as she was born 77 years ago, just like her colleague from North Macedonia. Another thing that connects these two craftsmen is the fact that Ljiljana also has Macedonian blood.
Ljiljana has owned a clock workshop for 53 years but the sole workshop has existed for 120 years. Both her father and grandfather worked in this shop. She started learning the watchmakers craft at the age of 25 because she couldn’t find a different job.
But she says she hasn’t regretted it. Despite being retired, Ljiljana still practises this craft, just like Blagoja.
From the Skopje village of Divlje to the village of Petrovec, 77-year-old Blagoja Trpkov continues the tradition of woodworking that shaped his life in a calm but meaningful way.
You can say that Blagoja is a self-taught craftsman, who learned to make small stools, wooden kitchen utensils, bee hives and baskets by observing others around him in his youth.
While his creations may not be of the finest quality, they are practical and filled with down-to-earth charm, reflecting resourcefulness and adaptability, like his whole life. Also, his fascination with baskets for wearing on the head does not allow these baskets to die out. As a reason for the decrease in interest in these crafts, he states the following: “They should be made, but they are not used anymore, they were used before in another time, now people do not use such things.”
Blagoja’s exploration of the woodworking world began in his childhood, where necessity was the driving force behind his skill development. Watching his neighbours and family members work with wood, he picked up the basics of the craft.
These skills were crucial in his younger years, when he needed to find a basic source of income. From entertainment and curiosity to a survival tool, he managed to secure a modest living through his practical creations. “I brought (the items) to St. Nikole (city in North Macedonia) for sale — (ordinary) baskets, baskets for wearing on the head that women used when they went to church, stools, axe handles, diggers, all kinds of things that were needed for work in the countryside” Blagoja told us briefly.
During his life, he has made more than a hundred small stools, each of which testifies to his ability to transform wood into functional pieces of furniture, which, although probably won’t be part of a catalogue in a salon, are still ideal for a yard. They are solid and usable, and that, according to him, is the most important thing. His approach to making stools, much like his approach to life, is simple and grounded in practicality.
His spoons, unlike the stools, in fine packaging could even be found on the shelves of some of the household stores. But instead, according to Blagoja’s principles, his creations ended up in the kitchens of his friends, relatives and acquaintances. Among all his creations, one piece stands out with particular sentimental value—a small wooden basket he made in his youth. This basket, although worn out by time, remains the most cherished artefact in Blagoja’s life.
The story of Blagoja Trpkov is not a story about striving for artistic excellence, but about finding purpose and satisfaction in the act of creation.
His work, grounded in the reality of his life and the needs of his community, offers insight into a way of life that celebrates practicality and resourcefulness. In a world where handmade objects are often valued for their artistry, Blagoja’s creations remind us of the quiet dignity and value found in things made simply to serve and stand the test of time.
Authors: Tanja Dimitrijevic and Hristijan Krstevski
