New look for Conwy’s famous pirate emporium
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n 1999, Bryan Tunstall (then 22) informed his father, Toby, he was going to set up an enterprise in Conwy, North Wales. The business model was to dress people up in medieval costumes to have their photograph taken and he would also be selling a small range of swords. He managed to find space in the bottom of one of the medieval towers in the town wall directly opposite Conwy Castle, but to say his father wasn’t sure about this venture was an understatement. However, as a teacher, he was able to come down and help during the school holidays and Bank Holiday weekends and trade soon began to grow. Within two years, the opportunity arose to expand into a building next door called Vardre Hall, which meant the business could increase the level of stock it carried. Following this move although with some reluctance, it became necessary to end the practice of photographing visitors in medieval costume as display space was now at a premium – dressing up a family of ten in real chainmail and suits of armour, can be very time-consuming, as well as extremely tiring! Growth continued apace and as the shop’s
The Pirate Brethren are well-catered for with a large range of swords, replica pistols, costumes. And accessories. reputation spread, Bryan was able to begin selling over the internet. A small warehouse was rented and then, after a couple of years, a larger warehouse was needed. The range of products expanded to cater for different historical periods, with Celtic, Greek, Roman and Viking swords, armour and costumes joining the original line of medieval items, as well as replicas of weapons seen in film epics. The Pirate Brethren are also wellcatered for with a large range of swords, replica pistols, costumes. And accessories The business is now one of the largest suppliers of arms and
18 Pirate PiratePlunder Plunderc cAugust May 2019 2021
armour in Europe, with a massive trade side and has supplied film and TV with many items – the latest being the 2020 edition of ‘I’m a Celebrity – get me out of here’. Toby is delighted to admit he was wrong about his son’s venture and this very proud parent enjoys working full-time at the successful emporium in Conwy. During the first lockdown, the shop closed, but the online service continued to operate as it has done throughout the pandemic. In normal times, it is only closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so it is difficult to change the layout of the store and
refurbish the displays. The second lockdown provided what was, hopefully, a once-in-alifetime opportunity to carry out a total refit. Work started at the end of January by stripping everything back to the bare walls. Weapons and armour are now displayed to great effect against white planking and other items are shown in dark oak display cabinets illuminated from above by iron candelabra. The complete refit was finished at midnight on the night before re-opening on 1 May – price tags were still being applied by staff at 9.50 a.m. watched by a queue at the door waiting for Vardre Hall to be opened ten minutes later! Now ready to move forward as Covid-19 recedes, the shop extends a welcome to pirates, smugglers and curious tourists to visit this amazing portal to the past in North Wales. More information from www.thepirateshop.co.uk
