Heritage Crafts Weekend @ Chiltern Open Air Museum
Chiltern Open Air Museum are hosting a special weekend showcasing heritage craft demonstrations. Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and witness traditional crafts in action, including chair making, blacksmithing and straw plaiting.
Bodgers were craftsmen who “turned” wood to make chair legs and spindles. A bodger will be demonstrating their craft in the woodland. Visitors can follow the chair making story to Elliott and Sons’ furniture factory, which was originally from High Wycombe.
Blacksmithing, one of the oldest professions in human history, will be on full display. A skilled craftsman will showcase their expertise in shaping and forging iron, using traditional techniques to create practical and decorative items. Visitors can witness the rhythmic sounds of hammers hitting anvils, as sparks fly in the air!
Straw plaiting, another traditional craft that was once a significant cottage industry in rural areas, will be demonstrated at the event. A skilled practitioner will demonstrate the delicate process of transforming straw into intricate patterns and braids. Visitors can see first-hand the meticulous skill and precision required to create these beautiful straw plaits. Whether you’re an enthusiast of heritage crafts or simply looking for a unique weekend activity, our heritage craft demonstration weekend will be an enriching experience.
Admission to Chiltern Open Air Museum is charged. No additional fee will apply for this event.
Accessibility info: Please see Chiltern Open Air Museum’s website for full details
Facilities info: Toilets, catering, indoor and outdoor picnic spaces.
Location: Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter, HP8 4AB
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Chiltern Open Air Museum are managing ticketing to this event. Please book here.
This event is part of the Chilterns Chairs Festival, running through July in celebration of the unique chairmaking heritage of Wycombe and the local area. With a varied programme of events, you’ll learn how the industry grew from the local landscape into thriving furniture production which proudly continues today. Join us to celebrate the stories, the chairs and the surroundings which make up our history. There’s something for everyone, so get involved!
The Chiltern’s Chairs Festival is being organised by Wycombe Museum and is funded by the Chalk, Cherries & Chairs Landscape Partnership.