In celebration of our new display, Cosimo I de’ Medici: Art and Dynasty, join Armourer Emeritus, David Edge, for an exclusive study session on the arms and armour that formed such an important feature of the Medici court.

Beginning with a richly-illustrated talk and the opportunity to handle both real and replica arms and armour from the period, you’ll learn how these magnificent works of art were made and decorated, and how they were used by Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519-1574) and his noble contemporaries. The session will then close with a tour through our arms, and armour galleries, to explore the theme of ‘armour as art’.

About the speaker: David Edge (FSA) is Armourer Emeritus at the Wallace Collection, having been armourer and metals conservator since 1975 and for many years, armour curator as well, until his appointment as Head of Conservation in 2004. He has lectured and published widely on the history, conservation and analysis of arms and armour, and has always been a passionate advocate of museum education, founding the concept of armour-handling at the Wallace and working with both schools and at university level to promote and encourage wider knowledge of the subject.

Take part at the museum: This demonstration and tour will start in the Meeting Room, Lower Ground Floor, and move on to galleries throughout the museum.