In respect of linen, although there are some modern sources that suggest that linen could have been used to face Anglo-Saxon / Viking shields, the author at the time of writing this article, having sought assistance from the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo[1] is unable to find any hard evidence that linen was ever or actually used in this context. That does not mean, however that it never was, and as the purpose of this exercise is to learn about the construction it was decided to face both sides of the shield with linen canvas.
For ease of explanation, the shield at this juncture will be Stage 1, and the convex side, side ‘A’.
In order to compensate for the dimensional change that had caused the arching, the first application of linen canvas would be applied to Side ‘A’. The reason being that as the linen shrank it should compensate for the inherent tendency in the wood to change dimensionally. Before applying the linen, the entire surface of side’s ‘A’ and ‘B’, were scored and both sides of the periphery of the shield from 2 inch (50 mm) in from the edge, and around its entire circumference was bevelled so that the thickness at the edge of the shield was red
uced to about 7 – 8 mm.
Now the hide glue was made ready and, using a paint brush, applied it to Side ‘A’ making sure that there were no resinous areas that would inhibit adhesion. That done, hide glue was then applied in the same manner to that side of the linen canvas that would rest next to the wood.
Although the shield had undergone dimensional change, once pressed down flat with hand pressure it remain flat long enough to allow the linen canvas to be smoothed, not stretched, over the surface of Side ‘A’ with the warp of the fabric lying diagonally to the longitude of the boards. This was because when shrinkage occurred there would be an even and lateral pull exerted.
Because it was anticipated that the whole structure could buckle or come apart with the warm wet glue having been applied, and in the absence of any better idea, it was decided that the most expedient method to prevent the structure from experiencing dimensional change as the glue was drying, was for the shield to be pinned down to the wooden workbench using a few small 18 gauge / 1 inch nails; the linen canvas being secured about ½ inch (12mm) in from the edge with just drawing pins. I then applied more hide glue to the top surface of the linen to ensure that the linen was completely impregnated with hide glue to ensure good adhesion.
It is acknowledged that this is not the best way to hold the shield down; some weight could have been used, but after some deliberation it was decided to follow the route taken as the surface would at least be able to dry evenly.
The following day the small nails holding the shield flat were removed and the excess canvas linen trimmed from around the shield. The shield was left for another day because although the glue was dry, because of the amount of glue applied it may not necessarily have ‘cured’. The next day it was found that the shield had experienced considerable dimensional change. The shrinkage of the linen canvas had proved so strong that the boards were brought up so that Side ‘A’ was now concave. (Stage 2) (Image to follow).
It was clear that I would need to apply another piece of linen, in the same manner, to Side ’B’ to compensate for the shrinkage of the linen canvas on Side ‘A’. This was done in the same manner as for Side ’A’. (Stage 3.)
When the linen on side 'B' was dry, it became apparent that the application of linen canvas on each side of the shield had effectively cancelled each other out, and the inherent tendency in the wood to undergo dimensional change dominated the structure and side ’A’ had now returned to the convex. (Stage 4.)
What was significant, however was that the structure was now far more robust, and the effort required to push the shield flat was now greater. Would one be prepared to go into a life or death or struggle with the shield as it was – most unlikely, so it was decided appropriate to apply a layer of raw-hide to each side.
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[1] Næss, E.M. (2011) Education Officer. Museum of Cultural History,University of Oslo
What was significant, however was that the structure was now far more robust, and the effort required to push the shield flat was now greater. Would one be prepared to go into a life or death or struggle with the shield as it was – most unlikely, so it was decided appropriate to apply a layer of raw-hide to each side.
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[1] Næss, E.M. (2011) Education Officer. Museum of Cultural History,
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...to be continued...
(This work is an extract from a paper entitled "The Construction of a Viking Shield" by Anthony C. Lewis BA(Hons) MCFM JP. The full work can be found HERE )