Inside WassonArtistry: Maker of Medieval European Weapons and Armor

Did you know that most of the props you spot on your favorite medieval-themed movie or TV show are not originals? Hiding inside an industrial warehouse in Queens is a renowned artist and sculptor who reproduces historically accurate medieval weapons and armor for clients ranging from movie studios to professional re-enactors — and for the first time ever, he's ready to open his workshop doors and show us 21st-century folk what 14th-, 15th-, and 16th-century craftsmanship is really all about.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive tour and demonstration at WassonArtistry, a workshop in Ridgewood, Queens that has created high-quality reproductions of medieval European weapons and armor for nearly a decade.

Led by Jeff Wasson, owner of WassonArtistry, our exploration of this new-age facility creating historically accurate old-age equipment will include:

• An overview of Jeff, and how his passion for medieval societies and Live Action Role Playing in college led him to become one of the country's most prestigious armorers two decades later
• A tour of the workshop to see how a suit of armor is constructed from scratch, along with the assortment of medieval tools needed throughout the process
• A close up look at the smithing process to see how armor was crafted hundreds of years ago
• Hands-on opportunities with a range of different medieval equipment, from putting on different types of armor and helmets, to learning the proper technique of holding a jousting lance!

See you there!

*The exact location and entrance instructions into this private workshop are shared in the 'additional information' section of the confirmation email, which is sent immediately upon registration

**Please wear comfortable shoes as there are limited seats within the small workshop

***The workshop is located on the second floor of a building with an elevator accessible from the lobby, which is 2-3 steps up from street level

****Due to the size of the workshop, this experience is limited to 8 guests

About Jeff

Jeff Wasson is an artist who specializes in making historical reproductions of medieval armor. He is also a teacher and educator who brings his love of history and craft into his presentations. Jeff has done prop work for film and television and is also a freelance artist and illustrator. Jeff formed WassonArtistry LLC in 2007 as a business to promote his many artistic endeavors. He has worked on various projects for Movies and television, but his main focus is making medieval armor, specializing in 14th, 15th and 16th c. European plate armor. Utilizing 1050 spring steel the work is heat treated and hardening for dent resistance and lighter weight. Having fought and jousted in the armor he makes, Jeffrey feels he has a unique perspective on it's functionality. Also, being trained as an artist and sculptor he is adept at capturing the proper shapes that make authentic armor, an art form.

WassonArtistry | https://www.wassonartistry.com

Testimonials

" Jeff was very talented but likewise very accessible and easy to talk to/ask questions of. It was an interactive event and super interesting." -Melanie

" I liked the construction methods he used to fabricate the armor." -Jerry

" LOVED IT! Jeff was very personable, funny and interactive." -Danielle

" Jeff shared a huge amount of knowledge both about the history of his armors and his craft. An intimate look into his work studio as well." -Marta

" Host has great personality. Enthusiastic about his art" -Michael

" It was unique and interesting. Very relaxed and informative." -Maria

" High informative and engaging. Very interesting subject. Jeff is a passionate and interesting speaker!!" -Julie

" Learning about medieval history from a very articulate person." -Michael

" The information was interested, the guide was very friendly and personable, and everyone's questions were answered." -Isabella

" Interesting. Content was very knowledgeable. Speaker was engaging." -Olga

" Fantastic. Absolutely educational, entertaining, and enlightening." -Katrina

" Tactile feel and look of actual armor. History and production of medieval-style armor. This is one way to see history brought back to life!" -Hanson

"The opportunity to meet an artisan very knowledgeable about the development and process for creating armor. His discussion made it more meaningful to look at collections like the one in the Met." -Bud

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Categories: In-Person, Factory & Facilities Tours