At the end of June 2016 I was lucky enough to get to spend 2 weeks doing work experience at the Royal Opera House, London, working in the Armoury department.

​

For those that don't know, the Armoury is responsible for the storage, sourcing and even making of all the weaponry used in the shows; from knives and swords to guns and axes from many time periods and all around the world.

They buy/rent replica (decommissioned) guns and make stage-safe swords depending on what operas/ballets are being put on.

But not just that, they also work backstage, making sure each weapon is handed out on cue and taken back in afterwards.

​

Because swords and guns sometimes require sheaths/holsters, a lot of leather work is done in the Armoury, including the making of belts. So when I was doing my work experience, that is the side task I was set to complete.

When I wasn't helping organise weapons or working backstage I was in the workshop, designing my own belt buckle that I then made out of brass, completely by hand. When that was complete I also cut and assembled the leather for the actual belt.

​

It was a really insightful experience that taught me a lot of new things, including working with brass and leather.