In a message dated 7/7/03 11:27:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Hi Jane I live very close to Windsor and have often been to the services at St Georges Chapel - it is particularly nice in the summer when they have the visiting choirs - it's so nice just to drive over go to the Chapel and then afterwards to go for a walk along the river. >> ------- Dear Lacemakers, I have previously written privately to Jane about the embroideries in Salisbury Cathedral. Now, the posting (above) reminded me of something I thought you all would find quite revealing, since it involves needlework in a privileged collection: The late Beryl Dean (MBE for services to embroidery for the church) pioneer and leading British authority on modern church needlework and embroidery, was commissioned to design and oversee the "production" of five large panels of (20th C.) embroideries for St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. They are very famous in embroidery circles, and appear in a number of books. In libraries, you can find books by Dean, and they are helpful to anyone designing textiles (even lace) for church use. Some of the books contain patterns for garments and other textiles used in religious ceremonies. The first time I viewed these five embroideries, about 20 years ago, they were hung in an area to the front left of the chapel, in an area behind what I think was wrought iron grillwork, with a locked gate. We were allowed to enter for a closer look. The embroiderers on this particular tour whispered in the presence of such original and skilled work. It was possible to get nose-close to them and examine the extremely varied techniques and varieties of threads and appliqued materials. Four years ago, a TV crew was working in the chapel when our group of mostly Episcopalian altar guild ladies (plus yours truly) went to see them. This time, they were stacked hap-hazardly behind piles of dusty furniture, and lighting equipment from the TV crew. Disgraceful. We were told Beryl Dean designed the panels for a specific place in the Chapel, and they have never been hung there. One wonders - if the windows (created by men) were portable, would they be treated in the same manner? Recalling this reminded me of the way so many Arachnes were shocked by the display of Queen Victoria's wedding gown and phony laceless "veil" at Kensington Palace a couple years ago! Jane, I would appreciate a private message when you return, telling about the present "living conditions" of the five panels. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED]
