Historic Leather Armour: Crafting and Context

Led by Master Leather Craftsman Andy Bates (BBC's Make it at Market, Grayson Perry), this three-day workshop brings together practical leatherworking and historical inquiry to explore one of the most fascinating and often overlooked traditions in material culture.

Combining hands-on making with contextual discussion, the course examines how leather armour was designed, produced, and used across different periods and cultures, and what the craft and construction of these objects can tell us about the societies that made them.

Across the three days, participants will work through key construction methods including cutting, shaping, forming, and joining leather, drawing on traditional materials and tools to develop a grounded, practical understanding of historic techniques. Alongside the making, the workshop situates leather armour within its wider social and historical context, drawing on surviving examples and research-informed approaches to bring the history to life through practice.

The workshop is designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide range of participants, whether you are a maker, reenactor, conservator, historian, or simply someone with a curiosity about historic craft and material culture. No prior experience of leatherwork is required. What participants share is an interest in how things were made, and why that still matters.

Working in a small, supportive group environment, you will leave with practical skills in historic leatherworking techniques, a deeper understanding of leather armour and its place in history, and a piece of work that reflects the craft and context explored throughout the course. All materials are provided.
📅 Tuesday 7th – Thursday 9th July (£300 per person)
⏰ 10:00 – 16:00 daily
📍 Leather Conservation Centre, Canopy
📌 What3Words: ///dish.drama.mugs
Events may be subject to cancellation if the minimum number of signups are not reached.

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Host or Publisher Leather Conservation Centre