Robyn Ramsden teaching book binding, which she will be doing this weekend. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
Taste of life more than 400 years ago on show
EMMA BROWN
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The Society of Creative Anachronism will bring back skills and knowledge from medieval times this weekend.
Confused? You won’t be if you head to the first Medieval Crafts Expo at the Carterton Court House this weekend.
Wairarapa and Wellington members of the society will give visitors a taste of life more than 400 years ago without the disease and other risks to life and limb.
The brave will get to try their hand at a range of medieval crafts from naalbinding, swordsmithing and cooking. There will be demonstrations, lectures and classes on a whole range of medieval crafts all weekend – every hour on the hour.
Highlights will include world renowned swordsmith Peter Lyon’s lecture on the reality of medieval swordsmiths and the misconceptions in film, and there will also be a Queen Elizabeth I makeup demonstration.
The organisation is internationally known for their dedication to research and recreation of pre-1600 medieval life, and also for having a bit of fun.
Years of sharing knowledge and their passion within the group has inspired the expo filled with the weird and wonderful for all to enjoy.
A room will be filled with a variety of exhibitions from medieval children, textile crafts and cooking.
Society member Maggie Forest said if people are particularly interested in an event then they are welcome to talk to the tutors.
“The event is exciting as you are interacting with history,” she said. “It is academic, but you also get to learn how to do these things.”
Events run from 10am until 5pm today and tomorrow. Entry is free, however, some classes may ask for a koha to cover the cost of materials. Information on the schedule can be found on the Medieval Craft Expo Facebook page.
