The Medieval Lathe

In medieval towns up and down the country were workshops for craftsmen bowl turners. Smaller bowls would be used as drinking vessels, while larger ones would be used to hold and store food. With no external power, they used lathes which were turned using tensioned rope driven by foot treadles. The demonstrations will be by Gerry Walters, who will give a short introductory illustrated presentation on the story of medieval lathe turning, followed by a demonstration of a lathe in action. This will use a full-size reproduction of the Bucklebury lathe, used by the last of the bowl-turners on Bucklebury Common near Reading. All the tools used are unique, hand forged and crafted, so leave their own characteristic marks, and every piece of wood has its own pattern of grain. As a result, every bowl is unique.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1100 & 1400

Location & directions

Aldershot Military Museum, Evelyn Woods Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 2LG

Directions:

The Aldershot Military Museum is at the northern end of Queen's Avenue, on the junction with Evelyn Wood's Road. The route 1 bus stops close to the Museum at Hammersley Road.

Contact on day:

Paul Vickers

Telephone number:

+447811848412

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Max number of people:

30

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results