At the age of 12 David Chapman found an Early Bronze Age axe on the Great Orme, a moment that set him along the road to a career as a professional sculptor and ultimately as a reconstructional archaeologist. His fascination with the magical process of making and casting metal and its properties led him to study sculpture and bronze casting at the Royal College of Art, London. After a number of years working as a professional sculpture he was elected as a member of the Royal Cambrian Academy in 1996. His lifelong interest in archaeology ran in parallel to his artistic endeavours, often directly informing his work. This included work as a marine archaeologist on projects in Alderney, along the North Wales coast and conservation work at the Tudor townhouse of Plas Mawr in Conwy for Cadw. Much of this work involved reconstruction and experimental projects In 1994 he began Ancient Arts, giving talks, running events, demonstrations, courses, making reconstructions and museum displays for organisations such as the British Museum, Time Team and the National Museum of Wales.

Sue's fascination with the past started at the age of 8 when she became involved in the excavations of prehistoric burial cave sites in her native North Wales. A professional career in field archaeology followed university with Sue specializing in prehistoric & medieval settlement and the exploitation of the uplands environment of North Wales.

A desire to understand the everyday needs & practical skills which drove ordinary people from the past & how they affect archaeological remains led to her developed her interest in reconstruction and experimental archaeology.

Ancient Arts

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