Class description: You will recreate an or nué figure (height c. 18,5 cm) from a Late Medieval embroidered orphrey held at the Museum Catharijneconvent (ABM t2093c). Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia was an actual historical princess of Hungary who lived from AD 1207-1231. She was known for her charity and widely venerated throughout medieval Europe. This rendition of her is sort of “middle of the range” when it comes to stitch quality. The mass production of embroidered orphreys catered for different purses. From unique one-off pieces to cheaply made generic saints.
This class focusses on or nué. As it is a unique blend of a counted thread technique and artistry, you will need to have an affinity with both. The technique requires you to comfortably see the threads of 48ct linen, your (enhanced) eyesight must be up to this. Furthermore, the sumptuousness of the project prevents it from being finished in class. With this knowledge upfront, you can relax and enjoy the stitching with luxurious materials. I am confident that I can transfer enough of my skills during class so that you can happily finish your orphrey figure at home.
When you participate in this class, you are also part of my research project. We will try to contribute some “hard science” to the debate on the use of the same model books/design drawings by different medieval embroidery workshops. How much do prickings, painted on design drawings and the resulting embroideries actually differ when embroiderers of different abilities use the same model?
Students will need to bring their own embroidery frames. Please discuss the type and size prior to class with me to ensure that the fabric in your kit will fit and can be tightened sufficiently. Also bring any magnifiers/glasses you usually use when stitching. Magnifying lamps are available in the work studio. Do bring your embroidery scissors and a dedicated goldthread scissor, if you have one. Furthermore, you will need to bring a lead pencil, coloured pencils, eraser and pins.
Embroidery kit: 48 ct linen, transparent paper, pounce powder, pounce pad, paint, brush, 16 colours of Chinese flat silk, Maurer Echt Gold Stech 80/90 with a silk core, gilt twist and needles. The cost of the kit will be c. €150 (incl. 19% VAT).
For more information visit the Alpine Experience website.
This class focusses on or nué. As it is a unique blend of a counted thread technique and artistry, you will need to have an affinity with both. The technique requires you to comfortably see the threads of 48ct linen, your (enhanced) eyesight must be up to this. Furthermore, the sumptuousness of the project prevents it from being finished in class. With this knowledge upfront, you can relax and enjoy the stitching with luxurious materials. I am confident that I can transfer enough of my skills during class so that you can happily finish your orphrey figure at home.
When you participate in this class, you are also part of my research project. We will try to contribute some “hard science” to the debate on the use of the same model books/design drawings by different medieval embroidery workshops. How much do prickings, painted on design drawings and the resulting embroideries actually differ when embroiderers of different abilities use the same model?
Students will need to bring their own embroidery frames. Please discuss the type and size prior to class with me to ensure that the fabric in your kit will fit and can be tightened sufficiently. Also bring any magnifiers/glasses you usually use when stitching. Magnifying lamps are available in the work studio. Do bring your embroidery scissors and a dedicated goldthread scissor, if you have one. Furthermore, you will need to bring a lead pencil, coloured pencils, eraser and pins.
Embroidery kit: 48 ct linen, transparent paper, pounce powder, pounce pad, paint, brush, 16 colours of Chinese flat silk, Maurer Echt Gold Stech 80/90 with a silk core, gilt twist and needles. The cost of the kit will be c. €150 (incl. 19% VAT).
For more information visit the Alpine Experience website.