Tak v Bowes Departed: a 15th century braiding manual examined

• by Elizabeth Benns & Gina Barrett
• 123 pages
• Black and white illustrations throughout
• Paperback
• 8¼in x 5¾in (21cm x 15cm)

This 2019 reprint is an A5 sized book.

Tak v Bowes Departed is an in-depth study of Article 4, British Library Manuscript Harley 2320. This treatise, which dates to the fifteenth century, gives instructions for making forty different braids of varying complexity.

Braids such as these were used for a variety of purposes during the medieval period: for lacing clothes and as purse strings, decorative trim and seal tags. The authors discuss the background of the original manuscript, including who may have owned it and how it was made. The book also compares the spelling and language with other similar documents.

Tak v Bowes Departed concludes with modern instructions to make each of the braids. Original errors have been corrected and noted, and each braid is clearly illustrated for reference. The instructions are provided as both text and diagrams, and include a detailed overview of the technique of 'fingerloop braiding' for those new to this skill.

Tak v Bowes Departed is an invaluable resource for a wide audience: dress historians, costumiers, curators, re-enactors and crafters alike.

This book is also offered as part of a kit, along with silk threads and everything else you need to give braiding a try!