My Travels!

Just nearing the end of module 2 at long last!

This module has been based on 'black and white', particularly blackwork and needlelace from the Elizabethan era.

I took a trip to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire where Mary Queen of Scots lived for 15 years. She and Bess of Hardwick were keen needlewomen and there are many examples of their work to be seen.

It was especially interesting to see the flora, fauna, animals and insects depicted in embroidery as this was an area I was having to study. These images wer inspired by herbal and botanical books and sketches that were popular at the time, such as 'A New Herball' by William Turner, originally published during the second half of the 16th century.

I also visited the Victoria and Albert Museum.

They have an excellent textile study area with row upon row of textiles and embroideries framed and filed in dated order. These frames can be removed (very, very carefully! lol!) and taken to a desk for individual study and photography.

I was inspired by the embroidered coif at the V&A. I liked the wide variety of stitches used and was excited by the use of gilt thread. I was eager to get home and attempt a reproduction!