Medieval Mayhem
I’m preparing once again to take up the quill. That is, I’m going back to studying the art of beautiful writing, Calligraphy. Throughout my uni year I have used it for many of my folios and assignments. When queried by my lecturers, they were surprised to learn that I was once a calligrapher. “Why did you stop?” was the most frequent question. I suppose lots of other stuff came up, life’s like that.
You’ve seen from a previous calligraphic post that I like to combine images with my letterforms. This is something that I am really keen to explore further. I have been invited by a fellow student/artist if I would like to apply for an exhibition opportunity. Calligraphic Painting sprang instantly to mind. So, as a result I have become OCD with resurrecting my calligraphic past. I’ve rejoined my Guild back in Perth, arranged for long distance lessons from my brilliant teacher of ten years ago, and dug out the box with all my assorted accroutrements. Alas all my nibs are rusted and some inks evaporated. Nothing like a bit of online shopping to sort that out. If you get a chance, www.willsquills.com.au will make your mouth water. I’ve ordered the most eclectic (but essential you understand) of items: Vellum, Papyrus, Gum Sandarac, Scroll and Oblique nibs, Resevoirs, Bleedproof White, the list goes on. I think this will have to count as my Chrissy Pressie for at least 3 years!
I’m also now examining books on medieval Illuminated Manuscripts, eg The Book of Kells, The Book of Hours etc. It’s hard not to get caught up in the mindset of those cultures from so long ago. Then I remembered my visit to the Medieval Fayre last year just before me moved. It was amazing!
There was a lunch time parade – the rain had just passed over. Here are the King & Queen with Courtiers in tow.
The Knights were quite spectacular.
Although the horse appeared to be hobbled by the disappearance of two of it’s legs.
There were fierce battles waged in the arena, which was fast becoming a mud bog pit.
The Romans, under the guidance of Caesar (purple socks), dispatched the Barbarians post haste.
Costumes everywhere were fabulous. This Maiden had the most gorgeous ensemble, dragging in the mud.
Totally not in keeping with the era, she reaches for her…
Digital camera!
There were stalls that sold everything medieval – you need never go anywhere without your leather gauntlets or steel breastplate. I was given many business cards “just in case” I had a chain mail emergency. (I only just took them out of my wallet the other day!)
There was a fully operational forge, hammering out all manner of lethal weaponry.
Burly Boys make for good photo ops!
There was another photo of myself with a red bearded viking in a pub, but it was getting messy by that stage….tippling too many tankards of warm mead and mulled wine.
If you ever get the chance to spend the day at one of these Carnivals, jump at it – they’re a glimpse into another time and place. Just go easy on the mead!





















































