Welcome to the Mancunium website. This site is a showcase for the historic reproduction lampwork glass beads by Mike Poole of Tillerman Beads, based on beads found in the UK and associated finds from Europe.

All the beads have been extensively researched, using information gained from visits to museums in the UK, reference books, archaeological reports, correspondence with archaeologists and other sources including the invaluable Portable Antiquities Scheme’s database.

We do not sell beads other than those handmade by Mike in his studio in West Yorkshire, we do not sell imported glass beads and all information on the beads is backed by extensive research and years of beadmaking experience.  No beads are presented that are not suitable or accurate for the category they are placed in,  no beads are sold that are inaccurate for the time period described.

If you have questions about any of the beads on this site or elsewhere, please contact us.  If you are interested in having beads made from a specific find report or reproduction of a particular historic bead, please contact us.  Beadmaking tuition is also available in our Calderdale studio, or book a demonstration at your own venue.  Mike has done beadmaking demonstrations at a variety of venues including the National Museum Wales and St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life as well as for the Archaeology Department of Nottingham University.