Leatherwork & tanning

Education:

MA Archaeology from the University of Aberdeen (2014)

My dissertation looked at the possible uses of seaweed in Viking Age Metallurgy. This research used experimental methods working with seaweed in an iron-age style forge (provided by EXARC member Dave Budd).

I am an avid practitioner of traditional living skills and primitive technology of all kinds and have followed this interest into the academic field of Experimental Archaeology, in which I hold an MA in Experimental Archaeology and a PhD on the ‘Microscopic Analysis of Prehistoric Tanning Technol

I began with introducing Living History to the Irish National Heritage Park circa 1995 when I founded a Living History group Gael agus Gall - this involved researching craft work in Viking Age Ireland for presentation to the public visiting the Park - using the (re)constructed buildings as a cont

I have been a shoemaker since 2005. I am working freelance making interpretations of turnshoes from across Northern, Eastern and Central Europe. I also make replicas for museums.

I first ventured into the history and heritage industry with my husband in 1988, presenting living history for heritage and education. As part of this, we presented both the social and military aspects of the past.

I worked in the prehistorisch Dorp and did many professional events. I have been covering many eras on which the Bronze Age / Early Iron Age and the Early Middle Ages in Northern Europe are my main focus.

After a tour in the US Army, Doug Meyer graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he received his BA in History and Anthropology. It was after attending an Anthropology class that he began actively practicing primitive technology under Steve Watts.