At the start of August, I anticipated a month of embroidery research. I aimed to study the embroidery on the vestments of the Golden Fleece and turn it into a goldwork course. But you know what they say: “The universe laughs when you make plans”. For the first three weeks Read more
My last blog post on the Cappa leonis in Aachen sparked quite a discussion amongst scholars and practitioners of needlelace embroidery. As most of it was sent via private email, I am going to summarise its contents in this additional blog post. By the way, I had to restrict the Read more
In today’s blog, we will examine the so-called Cappa leonis held in the Cathedral Treasury of Aachen, Germany. A perfect example of more is more. It was likely used as the coronation mantle for Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, crowned in AD 1349 in Aachen and Charles V, Holy Roman Read more
Let’s trace changes in embroidery techniques from the 14th to the 16th century by examining a popular biblical story. The scene of Noli me tangere (touch me not), in which Mary Magdalene visits the grave and finds it empty, is one of my favourite biblical scenes rendered in medieval embroidery. Read more
After having shown you a chasuble cross and a chasuble with outstanding medieval stumpwork, you might feel a little disappointed with this week’s chasuble from Domschatz Fritzlar. Although perhaps not immediately apparent, the embroidery, likely made around AD 1500 in Germany, is actually quite unique. It combines mass-produced standardised design Read more
Last week, we examined a medieval stumpwork chasuble cross from the Domschatzmuseum Chur in Switzerland. This week, I have a very special stumpwork chasuble for you, which is also on display at the Domschatzmuseum Chur. So far, scholars have mainly been interested in the pseudo-Arabic silk fabric of the chasuble. Read more
Last year, whilst on my way to visit my friend Sister M. Chiara, I stumbled upon some lovely medieval stumpwork at the Domschatzmuseum in Chur, Switzerland. Until then, I had no idea that these pieces existed. Late medieval stumpwork is a lot less rare than most people think. However, as Read more
In a bid to compensate people for high energy prices, Germany offers regional transport tickets for only 9 euros per month during June, July, and August. Apparently, to get commuters out of their cars and into public transport. Good luck to those of us living in rural areas. For example, Read more