Hi everyone! I had a question regarding a costume for my husband and would love some suggestions..
He homebrews as a hobby and is WAAAY into the craft beer scene. (Knows a lot of folks in the industry, member of some local clubs, etc.) When we were brainstorming what kind of costume he could put together, I suggested he go as a medieval brewer - and he really loves the idea.
I'm not too savvy with the history of beer - I know the monks had a huge hand in it, but he doesn't want a monk costume. It doesn't have to be H/A - but he would like it to be recognizable.
This painting was done in 1610 (which I know is a bit late for the RF time period), but probably something like this: http://www.schlenkerla.de/biergeschichte/brauerstern/bilder/land2.jpg (http://www.schlenkerla.de/biergeschichte/brauerstern/bilder/land2.jpg) or this: http://www.schlenkerla.de/biergeschichte/brauerstern/bilder/kautsch.jpg (http://www.schlenkerla.de/biergeschichte/brauerstern/bilder/kautsch.jpg)
He would like to carry a mash fork with him.. although I imagine that would get quite heavy after a while. (It's the big oar looking thing they stir the beer with) And I know it's not a weapon - but would they let him in the faire with it?
So my question is, besides the apron, and a mash fork, is there any thing else he could add to his get up to be more recognizable as a brewer - or even some guy who has something to do with beer? :)
Thanks in advance!
ETA: Put a better link up :)
Brewers really did just dress like everyone else but with aprons. You might want to look up some of the Patron Saints of brewers and have him add some their badges to his outfit. Also, no brewer should go anywhere without a mug to sample his or her hard work!
http://www.steincenter.com/stein/pc/viewcontent.asp?idpage=21 (http://www.steincenter.com/stein/pc/viewcontent.asp?idpage=21)
Apron and bierstein
Steins originated in the 14th century.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EVlLtXh1ec/T0DYb-kdYCI/AAAAAAAA48A/BVMjVDPcwVo/s640/Brewer%2Band%2BCooper%2BLandauer%2BTwelve%2BBrother%2527s%2BHouse%2Bmanuscript.jpg)
Early German bierstein from the Imperial War Museum in the UK
(http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib/197/media-197137/mid.jpg)
Just dont forget to come back to this post and add a photo when he does get dressed to go. I dont have anything I could add but really be interested in seeing the end result.
I am not knowledgable about what a brewer would wear then, but a suggestion for carrying the mash fork. I have no idea of what one looks like, how long it is, how heavy it is, etc. However, is it something that could be carried in a holder on his back, such as a broadsword is carried? That way, he wouldn't have to hold it all day long, but it would be there.
Also, maybe some kind of "medieval medal" like an award he won for being a master brewer could be on his doublet or jerkin. If it was in fancy writing, at least people would be able to read it and understand what he is portraying.
Well, since his IS at "festival", why not use some of the beer grains to decorate his hat? Hops come to mind. Barley?
One version of a brewer's guild badge.
(http://www.aeheralds.net/Letters/AE107/armory/BW-AE107-AEthemearc-B.jpg)
They varied by town and by country.
Thank you so much for all the suggestions! He likes them all and we will probably try to put something together for Scarborough :) (It might be too soon to do it for Sherwood)
A mash fork can vary in size - I've seen them about as big as an oar, but I've also seen them over 6 feet long. It's a big wooden paddle - it kind of looks like a wooden pitchfork, but the prongs are connected at the top. If he went with a smaller one, he probably could strap it on his back..
We will post pics as soon as it's done! :)
Awesome! I love seeing people with " ordinary" jobs at faire. It adds to the reality.
It's the accessories that take garb from good to great. Take a look at a group of pirates, and the ones that stand out are the ones that go the extra mile and have the scarves, pistols, rapiers/cutlasses, daggers, flasks, rings, etc. to go along with the basic garb.
Anybody can buy a tunic, leggings, shoes and a hat, and claim to be a brewer/baker/butcher, etc., but the trick is adding the right accessories, or tools of the trade, so that anybody who sees them will get the right impression.
I don't know what the tools are for a brewer, but if I saw someone wearing an apron, with a wooden spoon, a couple of measuring cups, and a beer stein hanging from his belt, I would at least get the idea that he was some kind of cook. Add a badge or crest with wheat and hops on it, along with a keg or a stein with a full head, and I'd probably have no problem getting the picture. At worst I might guess barkeep.
Randal