[Craig Johnson]

For any one who will be in the London area in June here is a nice opportunity to learn and research.

I know I would be there if I could!

Caring for Arms and Armour with David Edge and Chris Smith

The Sword: History, Construction, Conservation with David Edge and Tobias Capwell

Have fun
Craig

[Julien M]

Thanks for pointing that out Craig!

The Wallace is putting on quiet a show in the coming months indeed, with also an Exhibition dedicated to the sword too:

The Noble Art of the Sword: Fashion and Fencing in Renaissance Europe
Thursday 17th May, 2012 - Sunday 16th September, 2012


http://www.wallacecollection.org/collections/exhibition/93

Price: Admission Free

From 17 May – 16 September 2012, the Wallace Collection will stage The Noble Art of the Sword, which celebrates the artistic and cultural importance of the sword, as a symbol of power and prestige, as a flamboyant fashion statement, and as an icon of the Age of Discovery. It will be composed of weapons and related works of art from the Wallace Collection; never-before-seen illustrated works on fencing drawn from the Lord Howard de Walden library; loans from a number of the great collections of arms and armour; and portraits, prints and drawings that will help place the Renaissance civilian sword in its social and artistic context.

This major international exhibition will also explore the ancient origins of the modern sport of fencing. Fencing is one of only nine original Olympic events practised since the first Olympiad of the modern era of 1896. It is set to reveal a place in history where art and sport converged.

Since the early Bronze Age the sword has been a sign of wealth, status and the power of divine right. Yet before the sixteenth century, the sword was almost never carried on the person in everyday life. It was a rare, noble weapon, carried into battle by the aristocratic warrior class but set aside in peacetime. However, the increasing prominence of the Renaissance middle classes brought a fundamental change to the sword’s place in society. Now large numbers of non-noble but often wealthy and upwardly mobile people could also afford rich things like fine clothes, jewellery and weapons.

An exciting programme of events will accompany the exhibition including themed talks and tours, handling sessions and live demonstrations.


18 May 1:00 pm All Ages

Talks and Lectures
The Noble Art of the Sword: Fashion and Fencing in Renaissance Europe

21 May 1:00 pm All Ages

Talks and Lectures
The Noble Art of the Sword: Fashion & Fencing in Renaissance Europe

26 May 11:30 am All Ages

Special Day Event
Swordplay Saturdays