Join: Registration Information

The Craft Guild of Traditional Bowyers and Fletchers
www.bowyersandfletchersguild.org

The Craft Guild was formed in 1987 by Mr Hugh Soar, Secretary at that time of the British Long-bow Society.

Over the years the old skills had declined and almost vanished, as modern equipment replaced the traditional bows and there was little call either for longbows or those who made them.

However, in the mid 1980’s, with BLBS membership rising rapidly and an increase in folk who were once more starting both to use and to make longbows, Mr Soar perceived a need for those archers who shot in the traditional longbow to be able to source quality products with confidence. Thus it was that he called together a number of craftsmen who formed the nucleus of what is now a thriving Guild.

Whilst free to make whatever type of equipment they wish, to meet the requirements of individual archers, each member of the Guild is also approved as a bowyer, fletcher, stringer or arrow-smith capable of producing items which meet the criteria of the British Long-Bow Society.

The Guild has modelled itself – as far as modern circumstances allow – on the historic Craft Guilds which once oversaw the quality of the work produced by their members. It arranges for apprentices to learn their skills under the tutelage of more experienced members. New members are accepted as Masters only after their work has been judged by their peers.

The business of the Guild is overseen by a Court consisting of the Warden, the Under-Warden and five Court Assistants, served by the Clerk.

The Guild meets annually on a date as close to Michaelmas (29th Sept) as convenient, following the old traditions whereby Guilds met both then and on Lady Day. The Court meets annually - usually in April.

There are presently 36 Masters, 17 applicants under tuition with several waiting, and a small number of overseas Associates.

There are a number of ways in which a person may join the Guild.

If an applicant has little or no experience of crafting bows or arrows, he or she will be expected to undergo a minimum of three years tutelage as an Apprentice working to a Master. A syllabus has been laid down both for bowyers and fletchers, which ensures that the apprentice gains a well rounded and extensive knowledge of the craft and becomes fully proficient in all aspects, including such things as workshop practices and dealing with customers, as well as reaching a high standard in the craft itself.

Applicants who have made a substantial start in bow, arrow, string or arrowhead making and whose work has been approved by a number of Masters following appraisal at a Guildmote, may be considered for mentoring by a Master as an Improver. Again, this is for a minimum of three years.

Those whose level of experience is such that they feel no need of any further training may apply as a Direct Applicant, providing they have been making and selling for at least three years and can offer ten letters of commendation from satisfied customers. They will be accepted for assessment at the Court’s discretion, after having attended a previous Guildmote, bringing samples of their work for critical appraisal.

In all cases there is a final assessment of the applicant’s work, where a “Masterpiece” is presented to the other Guild members. The requirements for presentation are laid down and must be adhered to, in order to ensure that each applicant presents the same items and receives a fair assessment.

Applicants for string making or arrow smithing follow very similar paths.

To apply to the Guild a registration fee is required, upon receipt of which an application pack will be sent, containing the appropriate syllabus, the requirement details for the presentation of the Masterpiece and the criteria followed by the assessors, along with an application form. If the applicant has identified a Master willing to accept them this will be noted, but if not a list of Masters will be provided and the applicant is expected to make contact with each one and put forward their case for acceptance. It is emphasised that there is no guarantee that an applicant will find a Master willing to take them immediately, as Members may already be full committed.

Once registered, the applicant is welcome to attend the annual Guildmote – in fact they are encouraged to do so, in order that members might meet and talk with them; but they are not eligible to take part in the business proceedings.

Veronica-Mae Soar

CLERK TO THE GUILD
guildclerk@btinternet.com