On Demand: THREAD TALKS: Jessica Grimm: Learning with my Needle
Learning with my Needle: what I learned from my reconstructions of medieval embroidery reconstructions with special attention on materials
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About this event
Please note that this ticket is for a recording of the live event on 15 October. Tickets for the live event are available here. You will be emailed access details to the recording by 29 October. The recording is not downloadable but will be available for viewing for at least one month after registration.
In this talk Jessica Grimm will present an overview of her embroidered reconstructions with special attention to materials used and lessons learned about medieval embroidery practices.
“After seeing the original in an exhibition in 2015, I decided to recreate a late medieval goldwork orphrey from the Netherlands. Freshly out of the Royal School of Needlework, my focus was more on technical skills and not so much on historically appropriate materials.
Since then, I have recreated (parts of) several more medieval embroideries. From 11th century goldwork as seen on the imperial vestments from Bamberg to geometric silk embroidery on a 12th century cope from southern Germany to early 14th century bead embroidery on parchment from Cheb in the Czech Republic. Each project, be it large or small, has taught me something new about the materials used and the skills needed to pull it off. And left me with even more questions…
As far as possible, I now do use historically appropriate materials. Currently, I am involved in Dr Katrin Kania’s project on the recreation of membrane gold threads. Although these threads were once widely made, their modern recreation is a real challenge. Getting a stitch-able thread is the primary focus for now.”
Detail background Pope Francis goldwork embroidery
The Acupictrix, alias Dr Jessica Grimm, writes a weekly blog on medieval goldwork embroidery and related topics. She holds a doctorate in archaeology and has completed the RSN Certificate and Diploma courses.
Since 2010, Jessica has taught for the Royal School of Needlework, ArtTextil Dachau, the National Silk Museum Hangzhou, the Crewelwork Company and Creative Experiences. Currently, she is compiling a database of medieval goldwork embroidery from Europe. This research forms the basis for her courses and workshops on historical embroidery. Jessica is based in Ettal, in the Bavarian Alps, near Munich, Germany.
St Laurence orphrey detail
Wolfgang Chasuble
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