Carpenter's Guild
The Carpenter's Guild is one of the oldest trades association in Penang. It was established by carpenters and brick layers who were mostly Cantonese of the Sing Leng sub-dialect group and dedicated to the patron saint of the Cantonese tradesmen, Lo Pan, literally "North Duke", and was called Lo Pan Hang. Despite the English translation of the name as "carpenter's" guild, the association actually encompass all types of craftsmen.
The Carpenter's Guild was founded in 1850. Its original premises was at 5 Lebuh Penang. This is the starting point for craftsmen and builders - to be noted, mostly Cantonese - who arrived in Malaysia, whether to live here permanently, or on a limited-time contract, as artisans for temples and clan houses.
The guildhouse has quarters for contractors, who go out to look for contracts, and the craftsmen, who execute the jobs. As those who brought in the business are considered to have the "tougher" job, they were rewarded with better living quarters, on the front part of the guildhouse. The craftsmen, who comprised the masters and their apprentices, had to make do with the more crowded apartments in the back. Crafts are handed down from masters to apprentices, and a novice wanting to become a craftsman had to undergo a three-year apprenticeship, during which time he is only paid with meals and board.
The temple at Love Lane that we see today, called Lo Pan Ku Miau, or North Duke's Old Temple, was built in 1865, and continues to function today as the guildhouse. However, the function of craftsmen guildhouses diminished with the advent of modern building techniques, so much so that the ancient crafts needed to repair and restore many of the clan temples in Penang could no longer be sourced locally. Today the Carpenter's Guild exists more as a throw back to a bygone era than that of a functioning guild.
Contact
Carpenter's Guild
70 Love Lane
Getting to Carpenter's Guild
The easiest way to get to the Carpenter's Guild is to take a bus to Lebuh Chulia and then walk down Love Lane. The Carpenter's Guild is on the left side of Love Lane if approached from Lebuh Chulia. Take any of the Rapid Penang Bus No. 11, 101, 104, 201, 202, 203, U204 or 206 to reach that part of Lebuh Chulia. If you prefer to walk all the way, from the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, cross the pedestrian bridge and then turn left, walk along Pengkalan Weld until junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia. Turn right and follow Gat Lebuh Chulia. Passing the junction of Lebuh Pantai, it changes name to Lebuh Chulia. Continue until you reach the junction of Love Lane, turn right into it, and the Carpenter's Guild is on the left side of the lane, about 50 meters from the junction.
Nearby Sights
Directions to the following sights are in reference to the front gate of Carpenter's Guild:
Goldsmith Association: Continue down Love Lane. At junction with Lebuh Muntri, turn left. The Goldsmith Association is on your left, about 50 meters from the junction.
Hainan Temple: Continue down Love Lane. At junction with Lebuh Muntri, turn left. Pass the Goldsmith Association. The Hainan Temple is on the left another 50 meters down the road.
Kapitan Keling Mosque: From Love Lane, turn right. At junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. The Kapitan Keling Mosque is on the right, about 30 meters down.
Noordin Family Tomb: From Love Lane, turn right. At junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. The Noordin Family Tomb is on the right, about 30 meters down, right after the Kapitan Keling Mosque.
Market Lane Tuak Shop: From Love Lane, turn right. At junction of Lebuh Chulia, turn left. 20 meters down is junction to Lorong Chulia, turn left. About 30 meters down Lorong Chulia is junction to Market Lane, turn right. The Market Lane Tuak Shop is on the right side, about 40 meters down the lane.
Visiting Penang
If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!
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Carpenter's Guild, Bayan Baru (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Carpenter's Guild Location Map
Carpenter's Guild (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Carpenter's Guild (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Carpenter's Guild (29 January 2005)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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