Breton craftsmen may have filled skills gap working with Tudor carvers in Devon

THE second in a series of talks organised at Kennaway House this month, features John Allan, former curator of antiquities at Exeter Museum.

On from 7.30pm on Friday, November 11, John is well known around Branscombe and Salcombe Regis for his research on the local quarries and stone they exported for churches across Devon.

Now he turns his attention from stone carving to wood carving, another speciality of early Tudor Devon.

“John thinks that he can detect ‘economic migrants from the EU’ as far back as mediaeval times,” said Ffiona Eaves, who is organising the talks.

Breton craftsmen may have filled a ‘skills gap’ and working alongside local carvers created the lacy altar screens that grace many Devon churches, and other lovely decorative woodwork for domestic settings.

John’s talk: Cross-Channel links: Breton craftsmen in early Tudor Devon? illustrates this important part of our local heritage, and explores these surprising connections.

“John is a consultant to Exeter Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey and an excellent speaker, as those who came to last year’s talk on the quarries can testify,” Ffiona added.

Tickets are �5 in advance (01395) 515551 or available on the door.