Sponsored by TWIST - Tablet Weavers International Studies & Techniques Hi! Sorry Eckhard.
Benton & Johnson is in the basement of Toye ltd, just opposite the extremely imposing Masonic Grand Lodge. Their main business seems to be all sort of regalia, including ties, embroidery, cups, hats, pins (they make the Blue Peter Badges) and all sorts of other custom-made items. I suspect them of making admirals' uniforms and other militaria. Anyway, down in the cellar (with a fire on top? No, sorry that's a different song) is to be found Benton & Johnson, which is a little enclave of people doing Stuff with Textiles. They have a vast range of embroidery threads, including wire purls, which are very fine wires coiled into long springs, and I think you use them for couching. There's even a spinning wheel at the back. They don't have much in silver, as it tarnishes so easily. They do have various purls and other things in fake or real gold, and some fake silver stuff too. On the wall is a bill to the shop paid in the 18th century...they've been there for a while! The lady I spoke to was extremely helpful, and showed me all sorts of samples of gold and gold-effect thread, coiled wire, etc. The imitation japan thread was very impressive, as it closely resembled the real japan thread which she got out of a box. Apparently they are unlikely to get any more of the real gold thread in, but they do have quite a bit in stock. It's very fragile stuff, as even the hanks which have been stored wrapped up in tissue paper are starting to unravel in places. I have their price list, which is extensive, and will be happy to look up specific prices of anything for anyone. Shelagh -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Eckhard Gartz Sent: 27 January 2003 11:11 To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: RE: Benson and Johnson Sponsored by TWIST - Tablet Weavers International Studies & Techniques >Well, I have just got back from Benton and Johnson. >I'm a bit overwhelmed, but I have some actual gold >japan thread, and a price list. > >Will report further once my cup of tea has restored >the power to my brain :) Yes? Yes? <bouncing up and down eagerly> Come on, this qualifies as torture! :) Eckhard. Send private reply to "Shelagh Lewins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ----------------------------------------------------------- To stop receiving tabletweaving (not tabletweaving-digest), send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: unsubscribe tabletweaving. To stop receiving tabletweaving-digest, see the end of a digest.
