Class description: You will recreate the architectural background of a late-medieval orphrey. The design will be based on the top part of BMH t2911 (picture 12) held at the Museum Catharijneconvent. The piece will also feature a classical diaper background and a tiled floor. Your finished piece will measure c. 30 x 13 cm. This class concentrates on padding, diaper couching and simple silk embroidery. The piece can be stitched as a stand-alone orphrey, or it can become the background for St. Elisabeth (course content of 2022). NOTE: we will only stitch the orphrey background this time and NOT also the figure!
Back in medieval times, stitching the orphrey backgrounds was left to the ‘lesser Gods’ in the embroidery workshop. The saintly figures were stitched in the more complicated techniques of or nué and a form of silk shading. This was done by the senior embroiderers in the workshop. This means that creating an orphrey background is apparently not very difficult 😊. However, you must like counting as the diaper background is stitched in a counted thread technique.
Students will need to bring their own slate frames (trestles are available in the workroom). Please, do not use any other type of frame. As the orphrey background consists of solid goldwork embroidery you’ll need a professional slate frame to handle the weight and to ensure your work stays drum taut at all times. 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 materials and tools for framing up, a lead pencil and an eraser.
Embroidery kit: will contain 48 ct linen, transparent paper, pounce powder, pounce pad, ink, brush, Chinese flat silk, Maurer Echt Gold Stech 80/90 with a silk core, additional embellishments and needles. The cost of the kit: to be confirmed.
For more information visit the Alpine Experience website.
Back in medieval times, stitching the orphrey backgrounds was left to the ‘lesser Gods’ in the embroidery workshop. The saintly figures were stitched in the more complicated techniques of or nué and a form of silk shading. This was done by the senior embroiderers in the workshop. This means that creating an orphrey background is apparently not very difficult 😊. However, you must like counting as the diaper background is stitched in a counted thread technique.
Students will need to bring their own slate frames (trestles are available in the workroom). Please, do not use any other type of frame. As the orphrey background consists of solid goldwork embroidery you’ll need a professional slate frame to handle the weight and to ensure your work stays drum taut at all times. 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 materials and tools for framing up, a lead pencil and an eraser.
Embroidery kit: will contain 48 ct linen, transparent paper, pounce powder, pounce pad, ink, brush, Chinese flat silk, Maurer Echt Gold Stech 80/90 with a silk core, additional embellishments and needles. The cost of the kit: to be confirmed.
For more information visit the Alpine Experience website.