Hi All,
I'm just back from the Eye of the Needle exhibition at the Ashmolean
Museum, Oxford (UK).
Perhaps its because I'm a lace maker not an embroiderer but - Wow!
The exhibition is of embroidery from the Feller collection. I've no
idea who Elizabeth and Micheal Feller are, but they have a fantastic
collection.
Everything was from the 17th century, roughly the Stuart period, (a
bit of very late Elizabethan, then James I and Charles I) and
included a selection of samplers, biblical pictures (and it was
amusing to see Solomon looking very much like Charles I and biblical
characters dressed in Stuart costume), allegorical themes, a little
clothing (coifs, hats, gloves) and household goods (stools,
chatelaine, boxes) and so on. There were about 60 pieces in all.
I was struck by the quality of the designs, the exquisite
workmanship, and how fine the work was. Tent stitch was worked on
linen fabric over 1 thread, then in the more elaborate pieces was
combined with decorative stitches, stumpwork, raised needlepoint and
bead work.
There wasn't any lace, except for one unusual, slightly scruffy
edging on a beautiful box. I guess the period was a bit early for
bobbin lace. However, the needlepoint and whitework were so fine you
might think they were lace.
If anyone is in the Oxford area, this is well worth a visit. Details
are on the Ashmolean website
http://www.ashmolean.org/exhibitions/eyeoftheneedle/
There is no exhibition catalogue as such, but there are two books
describing the collection. I bought the first book - but theres a
pile of ironing to do and visitors coming before I can "put my feet
up".
Best wishes,
Jane
New Forest, UK
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