My Personal Project – Lara Culleton

My name is Lara Culleton and for my Year 10 Personal Project I constructed a hand-stitched falconry glove. The glove is specifically designed for use in bird of prey displays at Medieval re-enactment events.

The use of falcons, hawks and eagles in hunting dates back to approximately the 13th Century BC. This was a privilege reserved for middle to upper classes, and was particularly popular throughout Europe and parts of Asia. Since 2013 I have had the privilege of being a reenactor at the annual Abbey Medieval Festival as a member of the falconry group, and have developed an increasing interest in Medieval European history as a result. Birds are a long-held interest of mine, as I have watched my father work with them from a young age. The creation of this product has enabled me to express and combine my passions in these areas, whilst also providing much needed equipment for professional raptor handlers.

I was largely inspired to create my own customised glove to use at the Abbey Medieval Festival. Through my research I discovered that there is also a demand for them from wildlife demonstrators, exhibitors and rehabilitators, who currently have to import gloves from overseas. As I had no prior experience working with leather, I had to essentially learn the whole material construction process from scratch. Initially, I had intended to create two gloves designed for different bird species, however as I progressed with my first it became apparent that it was going to take considerably longer than I had anticipated. I decided to focus on making only one glove, and after a few months of strenuous but gratifying work had completed a unique, fully functional and authentic piece of handmade falconry equipment.

Throughout my project, I have developed a further appreciation for the skills involved in leather crafting, as well as a greater understanding of the need for raptor handling equipment in Australia. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge involved with this project and am very pleased with my product.