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Arts and Sciences in the Barony of Dragon's Laire

A Barony in the Kingdom of An Tir which is
a Part of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA, Inc)


Artisan Hands, A Series by one of ours, THL Theordoric. This picture features the marvelous work of our Baroness, Mrq. Laurellen (© 2012 Derek Lyons)

Although Martial activities are perhaps the most visible aspect of SCA life, study of the Arts and Sciences supports every facet of life in the Current Middle Ages. Without them life would be both less colorful and less comfortable. What would happen to the pageantry of court and tournament with out the skills of costumers, musicians, and craftsmen in disciplines like banner making, metalwork, woodwork, calligraphy and illumination? What would the feast be without the culinary arts, dancing or the bardic arts?

Many arts and science activities are scheduled each month in the Barony. We have arts and sciences activities at nearly every social and get-together, and there are Guild meetings and workshops held each month. See the Baronial calendar for more information.

Scribal Class in May

Lady Ela and THL Gabrielle will be holding a class on beginning scribal painting at Lady Ela's house on Bainbridge Island on May 5th, from 1 to 5 pm. The class covers painting charters with gouache paint (like watercolor paint but more opaque). Gold and Silver paint will also be covered. The class will discuss materials, tools, techniques and color selection. No experience or supplies are necessary, but you may bring your own supplies if you prefer. If you have a scribal project you are working on, feel free to join Lady Ela and THL Gabrielle. Please RSVP so the teachers know how many to plan for.

Dragon's Laire at Kingdom Arts and Sciences and Bardic

There were many participants from Dragon's Laire at Kingdom Arts and Sciences and Bardic this year. Dragon's Laire's denizens competed, judged and provided an encouraging audience. For a round up of the event, see the Arts and Sciences Travels Page.

New Champions and Scholars!

Our Baronial Arts and Sciences and Bardic competitions were held at Candlemas in Feb, 2013. The competition was excellent, with outstanding entries from the winners and all the competitors.

Our new champions are THL Aelianora de Wyntringham for Arts and Sciences and Lady Andromacha, for Bardic. Brava to both of them!

Congratulations are also in order for the newly named Scholars of Dragon’s Laire: Dame Madrun y Gwehyddes and THL Aelianora de Wyntringham. Both ladies successfully wrote, submitted and then presented their papers at Candlemas. Dame Madrun's subject was tablet weaving in the Middle Ages versus modern tablet weaving, THL Aelianora's subject was goats in Britain in the Middle Ages.

Something New: Baronial Scholars

Much of what happened and what was done in the Middle Ages can simply not be re-created as an object, or are more technically oriented and discuss entire categories of objects and their development. However, that does not mean that such subjects are unworthy of study by the members of the SCA. Indeed, such studies are an important adjunct to the re-creation that we do. Therefore the Barony has instituted a special title, 'Scholar of the Barony' to acknowledge those who undertake to study, and write, about such unusual, for the SCA, topics. To become a Scholar one must write a paper, submit it to the Baron and Baroness and Arts and Sciences Minister, and then present the paper at the Arts and Sciences competition as a scholar paper. The paper could be presented on a Kingdom level in the Arts and Sciences competition as well, although in that case it would be presented as a single entry or part of the championship competition.

In the Barony's case, there is no competition for the title of Scholar. If you submit, as outlined above, and have accepted your paper, and then successfully present it before the Barony, you are entitled to the title of Scholar. Your work will be published on the website, if you wish, and you will have enriched the knowledge of many people.

Upcoming Happenings of Interest

May Crown

The Dragon's Laire Textile Guild and the Kingdom Embellishers' Guild are co-facilitating the Arts and Sciences area at May Crown. We are making plans for activities. Anyone interested in helping plan and participating please contact either our A&S Minister, Dame Madrun y Gwehyddes or HL Aelianora, Minister of the Embellishers' Guild.

June Faire

Although it seems a long way off it is time to begin thinking about June Faire! If you are interested in being part of the Arts and Sciences Village please contact Dame Madrun y Gwehyddes. Spaces fill up quickly, so get your name in early. Please email Dame Madrun (at the email above) about what you want to demo and the size of your demo tent/day shade. If you have questions do not hesitate to ask. This year at June Faire there will be an Arts and Sciences Prize Tourney. Each participant will need to bring three items to enter, one for each round of the tourney. Details to follow as we get closer.

Iron and Ink

June 21 to June 23, 2013, Iron and Ink will be held in Moses Lake WA. Several of the denizens of Dragon's Laire went last year and had a blast and DL has had a presence at the event for 6 or 7 years now. Some of DL's people are going to the event this year. If you would like to take or teach a class, contact the event steward (email at the link given above).

Links!

Baronial members are constantly finding cool resources on the internet. Oftentimes they share them with the rest of us via email.

Master Arion the Wanderer shared this link for how to felt wool. The site is very nice, with good documentation.

This show, about recreating a Frankish sword, is well worth watching.

Allessandra Donato suggests this site for very nice silk velvet.

Single Entry for Kingdom Arts and Sciences/Bardic: A Baronial Challenge!

We have started a Baronial support group for those interested in entering a Single Entry for next year's Kingdom Arts and Sciences and Bardic Competitions. The group is run by Baroness Laurellen, and meets occasionally to share progress and information. We are also organizing a trip to the UW Library and have a support email list on Yahoo. Please contact the Baroness if you are interested in joining and check out the single entry webpage!.

Look at the Largesse We Made!

The artisans of the Barony headed up the call for handmade bags for the Queen to use to distribute goodies at Estrella wars. Other members of the Barony provided different items to fill those bags, including handmade buttons and rolls of handmade trim. Our lovely Baroness, Mrq. Laurellen, took photos of everything has has put them on the web. Check it out! We Rock!

Baroness Laurellen writes:
Word has reached my ears that TRMs were extremely delighted by the largess and largess bags that people here in the Barony put together for Estrella this year. It enabled Them to be the only Monarchs to give largess bags to every other Crown in attendance as well as give out bags and largess as thank-you gifts. As I understand it, They are very thankful for the efforts of the people of this Barony.

Once again, Dragon's Laire rawks!

Regards and thank-you,
Laurellen de Brandevin
Baroness of Dragon's Laire

Sent to the Dragon's Laire Email List on 04/16/2012

Arts and Sciences Minister

Our current Arts and Sciences Minister is Dame Madrun y Gwehyddes.

Arts and Sciences Day Camp

The Barony holds two Arts and Sciences Day Camps a year; one in the Spring and one in the Fall. This is an all day, casual (no garb required), socializing, teaching, learning, doing event which encourages in the Arts and Sciences spirit in all who participate.

Our next A&S Day Camp will be in the fall, date and time TBA!

Diary from Kingdom Bardic, 2012

THL Nidda very kindly allowed us to publish her diary of her preparation for and doings during Kingdom Bardic Competition. Here it is!

Pictures of a Few Items/Activities

Aelianora's coif from Kingdom A&S 2006

Aelianora's coif from Kingdom Arts and Sciences (photo © 2006 Mark Virtue)




Weaving at June Faire, 2011 (© 2011 Wendy McComb)