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The Town Hall Square and the surrounds of the Church of St. Nicholas shall, for the 26th time, be transformed for three fair days of midsummer into a flourishing Hanseatic town. Summoned hither are the finest masters of craft, merry musicians, wandering players, noble knights, and diligent dames. Each shall present their most wondrous skills!
At the heart of the Medieval Days beateth the market, and at the very centre of attention standeth the grand stage upon the Town Hall Square. Here shall be room aplenty for musicians, for the display of masterly craft, and for both the opening and closing ceremonies.
The market of the Medieval Days hath spread beyond the Town Hall Square, reaching unto Kullassepa, Kuninga, and Harju Streets. Upon Harju Street and in the square itself lie the great stage, the market stalls of the medieval fair, and the workshops wherein knowledge and skill are shared.
The market shall abound with fine wares: pottery and textiles, works of wood, glass, and leather. Jewels and many other adornments may also be had.
Present shall be:
The paper masters of Tallinn,
Printers of cloth,
The apothecary of the Council,
Masters of woodcraft and of the jeweler’s art.
Upon Kullassepa and Harju Streets, merchants of the city of Reval and other traders from near and far shall offer their goods.
The medieval village upon Niguliste Square shall bring forth masters of every stripe. ’Tis a place where the Middle Ages come to life, where all doings unfold through action and goodly involvement.
Come ye hence—join us in the Middle Ages!
14:00
Woodcraft Workshop with Master Roland Burk
Token of Entry: 35 guilders – Prior inscription required
Come hither to shape a palm bowl with thine own hands! This humble vessel, formed with folkish woodworking skills, shall fit snugly into thy hand, and may serve thee well in sipping sweet mead or partaking of hearty porridge.
With axe, chisel, and knife shalt thou labour, under the wise eye of Master Roland Burk, a man seasoned in the arts of timber. Long hath he dwelt in the tutelage of a grand master, and now doth share his lore gladly. The toil of wood soothes the mind, and the crafted bowl shall make thy morsels taste all the sweeter.
16:00
Jewelry Craft: Wax-Carving Workshop with Master Toomas Mäger
Token of Entry: 30 guilders – Prior inscription required
In the forge arts, all doth begin with wax. A form is first carved, then clad in clay or gypsum. Once dried, the wax is drawn out by flame, and molten metal is poured into the void left behind. This craft, known of old as lost wax casting, hath endured near four millennia, its tools mayhap changed, but its soul unaltered.
In this workshop, thou mayest shape thy design from wax, be it jewel or trinket. Time required: up to an hour and a half, by thy will. The waxen form shall be cast in brass the following week and delivered unto thee.
12:00
Leatherworking Workshop: Medieval Accessories with Mistress Hanna-Stina Vahimets
Token of Entry: 35 guilders – Prior inscription required
Join us in a hands-on gathering of craft, where thou shalt forge three fair items: a key-holder, a bracelet, and a coin pouch. Inspired by the fashion of old, with faithful detail and noble material, thou shalt wield tools and learn the art of leather. No foreknowledge is needed – guidance shall be given in steps. All things needed are there provided.
Come, make a thing with thine own hands – to last long and tell of ages past!
12:00 Nålebinding Workshop with Mistress Liis Burk
Token of Entry: 35 guilders – Prior inscription required
Here lies one of the most ancient arts of textile: nalbinding, wherewith thread and needle, through loops above and below, a firm and frayless cloth is made. With secrets hidden in the stitch, these garments endure the ages.
In this workshop, thou shalt begin the hem of a working glove. When thou returnest to thy guild or homestead, thou mayest complete it alone. All tools be present for use, and if thou wishest to carry on at home, a needle and yarn may be bought with clinking coin from the Mistress.
16:00
Potato-Printing Workshop with Mistress Talvi Põldma
Token of Entry: 35 guilders – Prior inscription required
Come explore the merriment of potato printing! In this mirthful workshop, thou shalt carve thy own patterns into the humble spud and make colourful prints on cloth or parchment. Mistress Talvi, known far and wide for her many talents (oft seen by the blacksmith’s tent at St. Nicholas’), shall be thy guide.
From guide to teacher to maker of workshops, she turneth now to carving tubers, so that young and old alike may fashion unique cards or fabrics. All materials are at hand, and no skill is required – only thy spirit and cheer!
12:00 Woodcraft Workshop with Master Roland Burk
Token of Entry: 35 guilders – Prior inscription required
14:00 Potato-Printing Workshop with Mistress Talvi Põldma
Token of Entry: 35 guilders – Prior inscription required
16:00 Jewelry Craft: Wax-Carving Workshop with Master Toomas Mäger
Token of Entry: 30 guilders – Prior inscription required
During the days of the Medieval Days, Tallinn can experience a flourishing Hanseatic atmosphere – a medieval market with traders and workshops takes place on the Town Hall Square, and on St Nicholas’ Hill you will find a village of craftsmen and a children’s area with workshops, a knight’s school and many other exciting things.