THEN AND NOW: Salamanca Markets celebrates 50 years

The Mercury takes a look back at the evolution of Hobart’s iconic Salamanca Markets as stallholders celebrate half a century of the beloved tourist attraction. PICTURES >>

BONNIE Roberts beams with pride as she fondly recalls her involvement in establishing the first ever market at Salamanca.

That was on the first Saturday in November in 1971, and went ahead with just six stallholders, mainly focused on Tasmanian arts and crafts.

“All we cared about was promoting Tasmania and Tasmanian goods,’’ Ms Roberts, 99, told the Mercury.

Saturday will mark 50 years since that day, and since these humble beginnings, the market has become a tourist icon renowned across Australia and internationally.

“I’m very proud,’’ Ms Roberts said.

“I have met so many people and as soon as I say I come from Hobart, they always talk about Salamanca Market.

“I think Salamanca is probably the biggest tourist icon in Tasmania.”

Ms Roberts said the man behind the idea at the time was Alderman John Clemente, who was born in northern Italy and wanted to create a market similar to those he grew up visiting in Italy as a child.

Salamanca market veteran

“Before he was an alderman, he advocated this for many, many years. He just wouldn’t give up,’’ Ms Roberts said.

“The council at the time would only allow six (stalls) and that’s what we did.

“By January 1972, the council could see that is was growing so well ... so they decided to take it over.

“We graduated from six stalls in November in 1971 and by the time January came around, there was about 33 or 34 stalls.”

Ms Roberts said she believes she is the last surviving member from the original organising committee, which also included a Grace Montgomery, and the grandmother of current Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, Isobel Reynolds.

“All I want is for that group of women to get the credit for starting Salamanca Market, because I think it was something special that we gave to Hobart,’’ Ms Roberts said.

Cr Reynolds said Ms Roberts and the group of women were “thought leaders” in the market idea.

Breaking News Breaking News The Salamanca Markets in 1977. Source: Yeoldetasmania / Facebook.

Set among the historic Georgian sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place in Hobart, this famous market attracts thousands of locals and visitors every Saturday of the year. Image: Alastair Bett.

“It’s not just a Hobart institution, it really is a national icon and so I think Bonnie and all of the co-collaborators should feel very proud of their role,’’ Cr Reynolds said.

Cr Reynolds said in addition to being a much-loved event among tourists, the market was also many people’s livelihood.

“It provides a lot of creative Hobartians with a really viable way to make a living as artists, and that is just such a gift,’’ she said.

“Hobart is a richer economy and a richer city for having all of those wonderful entrepreneurs that rely on Salamanca Market.”

Cr Reynolds said the City of Hobart was planning several activities across the weekend of January 22-23 to mark 50 years since the council has run the market.

This includes celebrations on parliament lawns, and a special community-led project that will involve a call-out for people to submit images or memorabilia from the market over the years that will be displayed on the day and culminate in an exhibition at the Waterside Pavilion.

Council will release further details about the official 50-year celebrations closer to the date.

Tasmania's Own Market/Salamanca Market with some people wearing masks and people using the check in Tas app to register attendance. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

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