When did the fascination with the Middle Ages begin? The year 2000 was Prešeren's year on the 200th anniversary of his birth. My love for antiques and sentimental attachment to them gave me the idea of printing the old way. I made a small press, on which I printed Zdravljica, as it was ...
When did the fascination with the Middle Ages begin?
The year 2000 was Prešeren's year on the 200th anniversary of his birth. My love for antiques and sentimental attachment to them gave me the idea of printing the old way. I made a small press on which I printed Zdravljica as it was written in the original. Due to the great interest, in a month I adapted the press from the old oak of the church bells in such a way that it was suitable for printing larger quantities and could be viewed by people during the printing process itself.
Where did the information about the way of life at that time come from?
I have a large collection of books related to bookbinding, printing and papermaking and ancient history. Carefully studying this literature and visiting medieval days in Europe introduced me to the way of life of the inhabitants of that time. So my journey took me to Berlin, Milan, Geneva (???Geneva or Genova), Stuttgart, London, following the paths of Trubar...
Which event is the best to see if we want to experience the Middle Ages as authentically as possible?
Fresach or Brežne is a small town in Austria. At the city entrance, we exchange euros for coins, which are a means of payment in all shops and restaurants during the festival. The caterers serve food and drink as they used to: in earthenware vessels and goblets, there are no forks, because they only used knives, there is sand in the ashtrays, there is straw everywhere, ... The town council holds its meeting in a public place in the medieval manner. In the evening, the electricity is turned off in the city, so that the city is illuminated in the way it used to be: with torches, open fires, kerosene lamps... All the inhabitants join the festival and wear medieval clothes. The whole town is (for) living a medieval life.
How do you get your costumes and medieval artefacts?
Many things can be made. Footwear causes us the most problems, as we have already had cases where an individual put a lot of effort into his costume, but ended up wearing Adidas sneakers on his feet. The most simple clothing is worn by an obroda. We make a tunic out of white fabric, put on a wide belt, attach a wooden sword with a scabbard and two scrotums: one for money and one for salt, when we run out of salt.
Where can we meet you and learn about your work?
Every year I am at the castle printing office at Bled Castle, where you can print a castle motif with your name as a souvenir, to which I will add a dry stamp and a hot seal and the date. If you are not from Bled, I can stop by with my traveling printing press at an event in your area. At the medieval fair, I will show you the process of paper production, medieval printing and bookbinding, there will be calligraphy workshops, and maybe you can compete in archery...
Medieval days here are...
in Škofja Loka, Kamnik and Predjamski Castle. I just wish the organizers would pay more attention to details and allow as many people as possible to introduce themselves, even if they do the same craft. Three potters were never superfluous, because you never know where some "glaž" will break.
Can we join the medieval days in any other way than mere spectators?
Of course. Each participant in the medieval days must choose a character. You must provide the equipment yourself, which must be in accordance with what we present. You make contact with the groups that deal with this: Gašper Lamberger's acting group, Kaj in Grom, the Knights group in Kočevje, the Knights of the Round Table by Janez Kamniški, the Lonc group and many others. We will all be happy to help you.
How much do you respect historical facts in your work?
We never wanted to recreate this way of life in detail. We do not want to show the cruelty of this time in the name of authenticity. We would like to capture the spirit of this time as much as possible, because we want to conjure up a pleasant experience for people.
Do you have a new age vice?
The biggest vice is the Garmin navigation system. It really works as it gets me door to door on my travels and guest appearances. I also have a mobile phone, but it doesn't ring, the rooster crows.
