Historically Accurate Shields

'Handmade & created from passions for traditional carpentry and ancient history'

Intro

The shield was and still is, a symbol of identity. Its function as a piece of defensive equipment has eternally symbolised protection & solidarity throughout many cultures and time periods. Its usage and general understanding today is only a fraction of what was generally understood in the past. Historically, tribal divisions led to shields being used as identity markers for differing families, clans, tribes, confederations etc.

Summary

Based in London, England, I hope to produce quality, handmade, historical replica shields for re-enactment & living history groups, museums and collectors using authentic materials and construction methods where possible. All shields are as historically accurate as possible and are based from the latest archaeological finds and literary sources starting from the Iron Age to the early medieval era (approx. 800BC – 1066AD). I will start by producing a few British & Germanic iron age types that are not commonly known, as well as late Gallic types that will have historically accurate but lesser known features. Through this I also hope to show the public about lost native European art styles that were anything but homogenous. An example is the term 'Celtic', a word that simply can't accurately describe the peoples, cultures and beliefs of the past. Instead we need to sweep appropriation away and break down the past piece by piece and rebuild it based on hard evidence and not politics. In a nut shell, I want the public to see what was - not what we want to see.

Each shield will have information & research about where the design came from and to which culture it belonged to.

All materials used will be sourced from the best suppliers. The shield bosses (the metal dome thingy in the middle of a shield) will be hand-forged and raised by hammer in the original way by UK master smiths.

As well as my designs, I hope to allow YOU, the public, to commission YOUR OWN bespoke shields, built to your own designs and materials. So, if you would like a custom shield built for a trade association or guild, film/photography props or even would like to display a family/company coat of arms, I would be more than happy to consult and construct the shield of your choice.

Aims

To produce 3 main shield ranges:

1. Historical replicas (2 tiers)
2. Fantasy/TV/Film
3. ‘Lux’ (fashion industry/photography/art exhibitions, i.e. studded quilted leather, fashionable photogenic patterns/colours)

Use of Funds

• Materials, tools & production
• Workshop studio (Currently trying to produce from home)

Thank you

Bespoke Shields

Photography by: Sushila Devi-Callaghan