Robyn Spencer

Robyn Spencer

Part of a hat with a padded roll, wrapped in spiral bands of coloured silk, with little silver decorations

1410 Padded Roll Escoffion

A rich, multicoloured headdress from the early 15th century, with a padded roll fashioned as a turban, based on several portraits. I made this for my friend Anne, to wear with her red houppelande, as an alternative to the red…

Top of ceramic jar with painted scrolling decoration around the rim

15th century Mustard Jar

A majolica albarello, in 15-16th century style. This project was a surprise present for my friend Anne, who is seriously into mustard: a renaissance Mostarda albarello, filled with a 16th century Mostarda. Research & Design Albarello is the Italian term…

Part of a woman;s white veil, with stiffened front edge, gathered at the back

1560s Flemish Coif

A simple linen coif, based on paintings by Breughel the Elder, suitable for girls or women. I made this coif for my friend Felicia, who needed suitable headwear to complete her new working class 16th century Flemish outfit. She wanted…

Ornate wide belt with bells suspended from it

1410s Belled Belt

I made this belt for my friend Anne, to go with her early 15th century houppelande – a triumph of making much from little. Research and Design Ornate belts were common in the early 15th century for both men and…

Woman wearing a green fillet and half-round hair covers near the ears, with a white veil and wimple

1330s English Crespinettes

An example of this archetypical 14th century headdress, which was worn by women in England, France and adjacent areas. I made this headdress for my friend Joan, who needed some variety in her 14th century headwear. The headwear needed to…

Part of a red hat made of a large stuffed roll, with a fancy cut fringe and gold decorations

1420 Red Capuchon

This over-the-top red wool capuchon, with gold mounts and embroidery is one of my favourite builds. I made this for my friend Anne to wear with her new houppelande, based on an Italian fresco image. Research and Design In the…

Torso of a woman wearing a German gown with a hugh neck and closed front, decorated with bands of velvet ribbon

1510s German Pink Brocade Rock

An upper class high-necked gown, based on a royal German portrait from 1519. I had wanted to make a version of this dress for years – a ‘not-Cranach’ style gown with an interesting bodice. I stalled for ages, trying to…