28, 29, 30 August 2010 in Dorchester Abbey

Following the great success of our first ‘Traditional Skills’ event in 2008, when over 2000 people enjoyed a unique opportunity to be close-up to highly-skilled, modern-day master craftsmen and try some of their skills for themselves, we are organising another similar, but larger event this year. We have invited 15 professional craftspeople from various parts of the country, including several from Oxfordshire, to demonstrate the skills that would have created the medieval Abbey and its decoration, to discuss changes in techniques, materials and tools over the intervening nine hundred years, and where possible to provide hands-on opportunities for the visitors.

The crafts being featured this year are carving, lettering, building and restoring in stone; woodworking and furniture making; stained glass; lime-wash, plastering and wattle and daub; lead working; blacksmithing; calligraphy; illumination; bookbinding; wall painting and embroidery. Three of the craftspeople have previously been commissioned by the Abbey and their work will be on display. Several of the craftsmen were with us in 2008 but we also have people joining us for the first time and new crafts and skills on display.

Entry to ‘Traditional Skills’ is free and the event is open 12.00 – 6.00 on 28 and 29 August and 10.00 – 4.00 on 30 August.

For further information please contact Sue Dixon 01865 340766 or sue.dixon@ymail.com