1510 German Gold Brocade Rock
This Rock (gown) is based on a portrait of Bianca Maria Sforza from the workshop of Bernhard Strigel. This style was worn by noble German women at the start of the 16th century. It comes from the transition period from…
Robyn Spencer
1520s ‘Cranach’ style Shoes
A pair of early 16th century shoes for a noble German woman. Although I had made myself some simple Tudor style shoes, I was aware they were middle class in style and not really suited to my upper class Cranach…
1520s German Red Wool Kragengoller
A middle class German woman’s Goller, from the early 16th century. I made this Goller as part of my new middle class German wardrobe, inspired by my trip to Europe in 1996. Although I had previously made a high status…
1530s Green wool ‘Cranach’ Rock
An early 16th century Saxon style high-necked gown in green wool, for an upper class German woman. This high-necked style is seen in paintings by Cranach and his contemporaries, from the 1520s – 1540s. The style is worn exclusively by…
1530s German Striped Haube and Barett
A middle class German Haube and Barett, based on a stained glass window from Zürichsee. This headwear was part of my first serious wardrobe upgrade, following my first trip to Europe in 1996. I saw so much wonderful art and…
1516 German Red ‘Holbein’ Rock
An early 16th century middle class German gown in red wool, based on the portrait of Dorothea Meyer by Hans Holbein the Younger. In 1996, I went to Europe and returned inspired to upgrade my 16th century German middle class…
1530s German Green Linen Rock
A middle class German gown from the early 16th century, in green linen with multiple black velvet guards. In 1996, I went to Europe and visited many art galleries and museums across Germany and Austria. In the days before the…
12th century English Document
This piece is based on the Winchester Bible, a 12th century work of amazing rich colour and beauty. I made this for Sabrina, to celebrate her skill at making medieval jewellery. She had seen my painted banners at an event…
1520s German Schaube
An early 16th century German Schaube (coat), worn by middle and upper class men – and occasionally by upper class women. With my decision to make a full German wardrobe, I needed a German replacement for the ubiquitous cloak I…
Medieval Wall Hangings
A pair of painted hangings, in the style of 15th century illuminations. As part of the preparations for Purgatorio 1994 (a large medieval event), my friend Yseult and I planned a series of four large scale painted hangings, based on…