Do you wish to learn how to do split stitch and underside couching? And perhaps produce your own medieval embroidered bag? This autumn offers several opportunities for the keen medievalist to learn the art and craft of medieval embroidery
This autumn a sumptuous exhibition of medieval English embroideries – Opus Anglicanum – is on show at the Victoria & Albert. In connection with this the V&A also organises a series of workshops, which will in all likelihood delight the participants.
In the 13th and 14th centuries the fantastic work, which has been preserved was in all likelihood made by a highly regulated workforce. From Paris we know for instance that it took eight years as an apprentice before you were fully trained as a skilled craftsman or – women. And that it was strictly forbidden to work by candlelight in order to secure the high quality of the work. Nevertheless, it is probable that the non-professionals dabbled in the art for instance producing those lovely bags, which are still preserved in museums in both Europe and the USA.
Now the chance has come to learn the secrets behind the beautiful medieval embroidery by attending a workshop at the V&A.
Opus Anglicanum: An Introduction to Silk & Gold Embroidery
Practical Workshop at Victoria & Albert, Clore Study Area, Room 55.
11.11.2016 10.30 – 16.30
However, if this is not a convenient day, the sponsor of the exhibition – Hand & Lock – has provided further possibilities.
Opus Anglicanum Embroidery: The ancient techniques workshop
At: Hand & Lock, 86 Margaret Street, W1W 8TE
15.10.2016 – 10.00 – 16.30
05.11.2016 – 10.00 – 16.30
19.11.2016 – 10.00 – 16.30
17.12.2016 – 10.00 – 16.30
07.01.2017 – 10.00 – 16.30
21.01.2017 – 10.00 – 16.30
Full program can be found here (including a package of lectures)
Students will learn how to identify Underside Couching, explore its uses and advantages before learning the technique from our embroidery expert. Students will also learn about the essential Split Stitch, which offered medieval embroiderers vital stability, volume and stealth. Each class is taught in Hand & Lock’s central London embroidery atelier where these ancient techniques are still employed on contemporary projects.
Hand & Lock
Hand & Lock, the sponsor of the exhibition at Victoria & Albert this autumn is and embroidery house, which can trace it’s history back to when a young Huguenot refugee from France named M. Hand came to London in 1767 and began manufacturing and selling lace to military tailors. In 2017 it celebrates 250 years as purveyor of embroidered and monogrammed garments for the Royal family and the military as well as embroideries for the large fashion houses in Paris.
Nowadays, however, Hand & Lock is not just craftsmen and women but also teachers and promoters of the fine art of embroidery; and in 2017 the company has organised a truly global celebration spanning a touring exhibition as well as a series of three major conferences in Sydney, Chicago and London.
It is in its capacity as an educational institution that Hand & Lock is offering these one-day courses.
FEATURED IMAGE:
Detail from chasuble c. 1330 – 50. Source: Metropolitan No. 271621