Medieval Chests

This is the start of work and documentation on chests I want to make and the basis for them.  All of this is because of the inspiration of Master Dafydd ap Gwystl, to whom I owe a great deal for his guidance and patient tutelage.  His article, Medieval Chests, 800-1600, can be found here or downloaded from the library.  

In addition to the two chest shown here, I have visited the Ouevre Museum in Strasbourg, France and taken pictures of various chests (and a chair) in that Museum. 

This first chest is a 13th century hutch style chest.  The interesting thing about this chest is the three different chip carved designs.  I am planning to make one of these, but need to finish some research on appropriate materials other than oak, and need to determine the dimesions of the wood pieces.

This second chest shows a single chip carved design in three places resulting in a very elegant box.  It has the addition of some decorative iron strapping and the addition of cut-out decoration (arcading) at the bottoms of the legs (or styles).   I have begun the construction of two replicas (in reduced size).  In Jun 00, I made a pilgrimage to Laneham church, and took more detailed photos, so I can make accurate reproductions.  The photos from two different trips to Laneham Church can be viewed here... along with photos of the reproduction I have done.