ABOUT 

HELLO, I'M LEWIS

I am an experimental archaeology professional specializing in mesolithic matirial culture, replica items and Wild foods. My five years of teaching experience has focused on ethno-archaeology in prehistory, from contemporary to archaeological items, as well as collaborative museology.I work with all manner of natural materials when it comes to experimentation, methodology and the experiential aspects of prehistoric living history, which in itself is not 're-enactment' rather an actualistic interpretation and reconstruction of prehistoric lifeways.   

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I am a detail-oriented, highly organized, and motivated person, and I'm always looking for challenging projects and opportunities to expand my skillset. I have particular experience in consultations and assessment of mesolithic lifeways, living history for public engagement and research requirements. I spend a lot of time researching newly published finds and papers in an effort to keep as up to date as possible with the newest discoveries.  I also practice a wide range of “primitive” skills, including flint knapping, friction fire, tanning, hand sewing, fiber arts, foraging, atlatl & archery, and much more.  My current combination of skill sets has taken me more than 10 years to acquire.  Even so, I tell students I am likely at the level of a 5-year-old in the Mesolithic. At present  my achievements are attributed to self teaching and self accreditation however I am currently enrolled as a student at the University of York.

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"Its not all sunshine and rainbows

Nature isn't always kind but it's always beautiful."

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I grew up in an old mining village to the east of Sheffield, an un- idyllic setting to say the least. Despite a tough upbringing and a challenging time within the education system which ultimately left me mentally scared and with an attitude of self reliance, I often found myself taken to the woodlands in search of deeper meaning. With no 'role models' to guide my journey, I landed myself in regular trouble 'tresspassing' on the Welbeck Estate as I often wild camped about their vast estes woodlands which happened to include several sites of archaeological importance, such as the internationally renowned 'Creswell Crags' which still influence my professional view and association with British prehistory.  Against all odds, I managed to 'escape' from the conventional lifestyle which seemed robotic and dull, meaning my passion for prehistoric culture, heritage crafts and primitive skills began in these troubling, unconventional and yet most rewarding years. As of yet I can not name any mentors or tutors, a sad fact which often holds me in slight envy of those who have had an encouraging mentorship to push their skill set and academic learning. I have learned my craft and built a knowledge base through a deep personal relationship with the natural world, the seasonal changes, and individual beings which we co-exist with. My many failures and setbacks leave me with a less than white reputation however I know in my heart that my passion for heritage craft, ecological knowledge and human experience is a force of good in a world which seems more and more on the fringe of anarchy. 

Rather than dismiss my current (ever growing) skill level, I would ask that fellow crafts folk appreciate my background and professional work as 'self taught', much of which has been through trial and error alongside experimental archaeological methodology. 

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"Remember that we belong to nature, not it to you." - Grey Owl

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I am an independent researcher, experimental (Often experiential) archaeologist and prehistoric technology craftsman specialising in flintwork and hazel basketry and Mesolithic material culture. Based in Derbyshire, my interpretations of prehistoric culture are based on up to date research, ethno-archaeological analogies and ethno-ecology. My life long interest in prehistory began within the Creswell Limestone Heritage Area. The personal affiliation with woodlands and most importantly the caves where rock art, lithic tools and animal remains were discovered has been a foundational well to forefill with a knowledge and understanding of prehistory. Through my company, ‘Into Wilderness’ I strive to improve educational opportunities for the general public through prehistoric living history interpretation, alongside demonstrations I offer a number of heritage crafts workshops with the aim of sharing an insight into the craft, its origin and cultural heritage. I have a focus on authentic, original and high quality work having spent considerable time reaching British prehistory through experimental methodology, field work and independent reading, Interweaving practical and theoretical approaches to experimental archaeology I attribute a wide knowledge base of prehistoric material culture (specialising in Upper Paleolithic - Mesolithic). 

My present focus is on artifact analysis, heritage crafts, media and public engagement through living history interpretation to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Since founding IntoWilderness I have developed my craft (Prehistoric technologies) through experimental and experiential archaeology and through independent research. I am now based at my heritage crafts workshop near Buxton, an area of archaeological importance for which I have the opportunity to regularly visit prehistoric landscapes, earthworks and henges and visit  local museum archives and facilities which have been significantly beneficial for my learning journey and professional development. I have been a member of the Derbyshire archaeological society since 2019 and have some experience with field work although my professional work as a craftsman prevents my sustained involvement in local excavations and artifact analysis although I have been requested my club members and members of the public to visit  sites to interpret artifacts and provide my professional evaluation.  I have a particular focus on the Derwent Valley watershed as a prehistoric living landscape, and an interest in the ethnoarchaeological connections and migratory patterns of mesolithic communities between the Derwent Valley and Star Carr. I have an interest to explore these connections in material culture,life and death practices and prehistoric artworks which may enlighten my independent research enabling my professional development as an ethno-arcological consultant and would likely be the means to pursuing a thesis in experimental archaeology at PhD level. As a prehistoric technology craftsman I have an interest in lithic artifacts and methodology as well as organic materials such as bark, bone and antler for mesolithic items and their potential cultural importance, this I would also likely explore during the course and if successful take further at phd level.

I have current obligations and commitments towards IntoWilderness which entail the preparation and delivery of heritage crafts workshops, school visits, and consultations with organisations regarding Ethno-archaeology  such as my work with York Museum’s ‘After the Ice Exhibition’ (2024) as a living history interpreter delivering flint knapping and natural cordage workshops.

My current work with Chatsworth House Trust in developing  and organising a (derwent valley) heritage show which would involve working with local archaeological organizations. My interest in the MSc in Experimental Archaeology has been on my mind since 2022 after establishing IntoWilderness. Prior to this, my experience in state education was poor and despite leaving secondary school with nine GCSE’s I chose to enlist in the Royal Marines in a pragmatic effort to achieve a sense of personal development.   

Within the  five years of founding Into Wilderness I have developed my personal confidence, academic and creative writing skill as well as the ability to critically analyse through independent research on the topic of prehistory which lead to my recent work publishing a KS2 children's novel about the ‘stone age’ entitled: ‘Wild Human’. I am regularly involved with local groups, organisations, media and through my work as a living history interpreter have become a confident orator with a pedagogy of kinship for teaching young people and adults. 

I am a self driven and ambitiously minded individual with an open minded world view and a deep rooted passion for understanding prehistory. I have an excellent professional record and an aptitude for academic skill which is suitable for the course. If my application for the MSc in Material Culture and Experimental Archaeology was successful I firmly believe that I could thrive in an academic setting, with the drive and potential to enhance the field of research in the future. 

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I have worked with prehistoric living history and public engagement since 2021.  My primary focus is on late mesolithic lifeways in Britain. As a flint worker and lithics specialist I have also worked with a range of natural materials and try to develop the field with my own approach to heritage crafts. As a practitioner at institutions including the Yorkshire Museum, Heritage House, and the Peak District National Trust I developed a hands-on approach  and a focused interest in prehistoric collections which I try to analyse through experimental techniques. My early experiences working with Native peoples and collections, including three unguided trips with indigenous groups in Tanzania, North America and Central Europe, cemented my commitment to collaborative work with indigenous communities, fostering preservation and access for objects which connect us to diverse histories and engage with a wider audience. Working as a practitioner at the Yorkshire museum in 2023 I was involved in an exhibition named 'After the Ice' where I assisted in the reconstruction of a Star Carr house which was constructed within the museum gardens. I then went on to deliver  a week long living history event where I provided flint knapping and natural cordage making activities for the public. This further emphasized my commitment to community-oriented museum practices.

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More recently I have been involved at Creswell Crags where I have been trialing my book - 'Wild Human'. As the site at Creswell is just a short walk from where I spent my early life no doubt that the caves and museum there has and will continue to have a lasting impression on my career.