Heritage Crafts Weekend

Come and see heritage crafts in action at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and witness traditional crafts in action, including blacksmithing, straw plaiting, bucket making, lace making, bodging, spinning, natural dyeing and more.

Blacksmithing, one of the oldest professions in human history, will be on full display. Our blacksmith will display 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. You can also see bobbin lace making in action and discover the techniques used to create different styles of lace.

The last traditional bucket maker in the UK will be showing how traditional buckets were made. The Museum’s team will also be busy working in the woodland bodging area showing the skills and items that historic bodgers would have made. You can learn about how our ancestors dyed their clothes, the processes involved and the plants that they used to create different pigments.

Whether you're an enthusiast of heritage crafts or simply looking for a unique weekend activity, COAM’s heritage craft demonstration weekend will be an enriching experience.