More, more, more of this work please Sarah. The sheer quality and beauty of the embroidery just makes you gasp. I think many of us would be delighted to follow along with you as you explore these pieces. x
Sarah, what a joy this video is. As a passionate historian, I am enthralled with your forensic investigation into these beautiful pieces. What marvels they are and what incredible artisans who created them. You're a star 🌟 for bringing this work to us.
I can see why you couldn't pass up these pieces. They're stunning. The work on them is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I hope we see them again, and your exploration of the stitching on them.
Sara, you are the most professional embroiderer I know and, may I say, your hair is always on point! I usually never even notice peoples hair, but the way you style your hair is really perfect every time. Cheers from Italy :-)
Absolutely fascinating. The only time I have stitched with chenille as a thread I used a fine stiletto to make a small hole in the fabric for the chenille to go through.
What a privilege to be able to see these stunning pieces Sarah, I'm so pleased (for us!) that you succumbed to the temptation and bought them. Re the 'sew-through' method of using the plate, in Topkapi Palace (Istanbul, Turkiye) there are some magnificent examples of Ottoman Embroidery showing this where it was used on robes and ceremonial open-weave linen towels. Thank you for sharing this, and I'm looking forward to more exploration of these beautiful pieces.
The needle used looks very similar to a flattened bodkin (for holding the plate) which also makes a wide-enough opening in the fabric for the plate to pass through. Tricky, but do-able, and easier with more open weave cotton or linen. Good luck down that rabbit hole🤞
These are truly remarkable pieces. This is also very educational, so many ways to embroidery using delicate materials, the mixture of materials from silk, chenille, paper (cardboard), netting, and so much more. I enjoy learning the history of this beautiful craft so many possibilities of creating works of art. Thank you for sharing. Respectfully yours.
I like your theory that it's from a bed, not window curtains. In The Chateau Diaries YT channel, Stephanie had a design epiphany a while ago, realising that classic French style tends to put all their fabric and styling into decorating their beds, while curtains hang simply, without pelmets (unlike English style which is the opposite). So I'd agree, this is most likely a pelmet fragment from bed curtains.
This reminded me of a recent video from the Royal Collection Trust. They featured a french bed George IV bought in 1790 that is currently in one of the public rooms of Windsor Castle. It has a high bed crown with drapery of this shape coming down. They think Queen Charlotte made the embroideries on that bed.
Your box of vintage metal threads reminds me of some of the ones I've bought from Tinsel Trading in Berkeley, California. (They used to be in Manhattan but they moved from NY to CA in 2017.) They have all sorts of pre-WWII metal threads from France. The shop was originally owned by the grandfather of the current owner. He imported huge quantities of metal threads in the 1930s and became the primary supplier of metal threads to the US military (for dress uniforms and such) during WWII, when it was impossible to import them from Europe.
I think this was part of a bed crown, which were very popular in France around this time. It would then make sense that the back was finished in silk, as you would see that part when you were in bed looking up.
I can see how excited you are to own and carefully examine these beautiful pieces. I can see how you respect the artist who made this art. I am so glad to shared your joy with us. TY. ❤ from 🇨🇦
These pieces are amazing. I really enjoyed learning about the history and techniques and especially liked seeing it up close. Thanks so much for sharing.
I agree about the fragment going around a bed because there doesn't seem to be sun damage. Sun would have destroyed silk. They are absolutely gorgeous and I'm so jealous!! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness, I so enjoyed this hour of fun and detective work. How amazing and beautiful. And so informative too! It's so wonderful that you share your knowledge and also your continued curiosity with all of us. And all of this, with your wonderful sense of humor and fun included. A perfect video in my opinion. Thank you so very much and please keep on doing exactly what you're doing!
I found your video very fascinating from the embroidery point of view. I realized that embroidery could be looked at from an iconographical perspective, as the motifs could certainly be connected to a religious figure. The shape of the metalworked floral border resembles a quatrefoil and is connected to the shape of a Greek cross. The three main flowers in the middle are all usually associated with holy figures: the passion flower symbolizes the Passion of Christ; the rose is often connected to Christ and the Virgin Mary (Rosa sine spina = rose without thorns, alluding to the Immaculate Conception); and the white lily is a symbol of purity and Annunciation to the Virgin, as well as being associated with many saints (St. Joseph, St. Anthony of Padua, etc.). I thought several of these panels might be part of an altar antependium that was cut up, but they could also be from a bed crown.
Wow Sarah, what a truly fascinating video this is. Congratulations on your detective work so far and I can’t wait to see what else you discover. Such beautiful pieces of work. I can just imagine how wonderful they would look in situ with the light from candles twinkling on the metal work. Thank you Sarah 🥰 xx
This is really interesting. The workmanship that has gone into those pieces in incredible. I always think of the fact that a lot of old work would have been done with only natural daylight or a candle light.
Oh my! I am so excited to see this, it’s exquisite and I’m not surprised that you succumbed to it. I wonder if the little pieces of gold on the edge helped to weight it down, perhaps it is from around a bed because the back would be visible when the drapes were open, hence the silk backing. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Sarah, you have bought some real treasure there 💕
Thank you for a wonderful video Sarah! I enjoyed every second of it. I can't wait for your next video on these amazing embroidery pieces. My first thought when I saw the shape was that it was a pelmet. I think your idea about them being bed pelmets is correct. So many mysteries to be solved with these two embroideries. It had never occurred to me that you could sew with chenille or metal plate embroidery threads.
Hi Sarah, I inherited a beautiful piece of 17th century bargello embroidery. Colors are all magnificent, but the silk is on its last legs. I framed it with UV glass and mounted on acid free paper and it will hang in my darkest room. I want to enjoy it.
Fascinating to learn the results of your detective work on these pieces. Would be great to find out more about their original purpose and where they came from.
What an exciting find! To a weaver, chenille yarn is a gorgeous and lush fiber to work with, but trying to pass it THROUGH fabric would terrify me!! Thank you for an informative talk.
Fabulous video! Well worth the wait after your teasers lol. The detail on these pieces is amazing & I can't get my head round how the silk stayed in one piece from the get go, with the metal having been sewn through, instead of couched. How did it stay in one piece! It's like some sort of wizardry 😂. Look forward to seeing more videos on these pieces 😊
That was the first thing I thought of...curtains simply because of the curved bottom section. But if it doesn't show any sun exposure, then most likely it was a curtain for the bed. Lucky you to have found such a treasure! After you read that bit of history regarding chenille embroidery, I was not surprised when I heard that it was used for decorating clothing among other things. I can envision an 18th century court dress with a design such as what you found. Even men wore elaborate embroidered vests and coats! Imagine what it would have been like in those days to attend a ball when Marie Antoinette was queen! I would have been openly staring and admiring everyone's embellished clothing. I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on how much one can appreciate work like this once you know how it is made. It is how I came to appreciate fine pottery that I see at Arts n Craft fairs during the holiday season. I never took much notice of the handmade plates or cups or any other kitchenware when I started attending these fairs. Then one year, I decided to enroll in a pottery class. Oh my....that was a humbling experience. I would get behind the spinning wheel with blob of clay set on it and proceed to create a bowl, or a cup, which eventually folded into itself for various reasons. It is not easy! Takes lots of practice! So I look at this beautiful chenille work and wonder how in the world did they do it? And without any backing?! Here is a small article on a fire screen panel that Marie Antoinette had embroidered. It is on display at the Metropolitan Museum. It has photos of the front, back, and a closeup so you can see the stitches she used to create her initials (M A). Lovely work! www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/226810 I wonder now if she did some of the embroidery on her dresses? Who knows? Thank you for sharing your wonderful purchase with us!
I wonder if there was a braid along the edge? made of the metal tape and perhaps tasselled? I know that metal braids and embroidery were sometimes taken apart to regain the metal. It's a spectacular piece and surprisingly light weight in construction.
Wow incredible piece and love the story ❤😊 like you say such patience really is a labour of love 😮 might have been apart of a table runner or a pellmit yes
Clever Jonathan. Thinking outside the box. I would think all that metal would make it too heavy to hang. Perhaps you can keep it sandwiched between two pieces of glass so one could see both top and underneath (I did that with an autographed LP album cover my husband had collected.
The problem is, you shouldn't have anything touching the embroidery as that will damage it further so I don't know how it would stay in a double sided frame? It would be nice to see both sides though!
I think talking about some conservation ideas would be interesting. I’ve found myself dealing with altar falls which needed a little work. Maybe other amateur stitchers would be interested too.
Morning, gorgeous piece of embroidery. My thoughts, for what they are worth: if it was used as a pelmet the woven layer could have been starched to add some rigidity and the woven design looks like a technique used in Dorset buttons.
I've had a closer look at the weaving Sharon and have a few more ideas about how it may have been done but I need to try it out to really learn I think...
Very interesting! I had no idea there were all these kinds of metal threads. It boggles my mind to think of how long it must have taken to learn these skills. I wonder how long it took to make a household object into a piece of art? Certainly wasn’t made for the common people.
As I’m watching and seeing how the stitched through the very tightly woven silk, could they have made staggered holes in the fabric, with a thicker, needle so that they could stitch around and around? This is such beautiful work. Thank you for sharing with us! 🤩🤗🫶🏻❤️
Those embroideries are stunning and when you consider that they were stitched by daylight or candle light then that’s even more impressive. You are so lucky to have found them.😊 Would the Royal School of Needlework have any ideas about the provenance or how to preserve them?
Thank you Sarah and Jonathan for your video. My word what amazing pieces of work I can see why you were fascinated by them. It's mind blowing to see that goldwork go around the fabric what craftsmanship. It is lovely to see these close up (so to speak) and hear you talk about the techniques used .I can't get over the colour, you would expect such a lot of fading. Wherever they have been hiding I think they have been in the dark.
Thanks for sharing Sarah. I wonder if "sewing" with the gold plate would cause the silk to deteriorate quicker because the edges of the plate would almost cut the silk. I wonder how they stopped the "cutting at the edges of the plate or maybe that is why in some parts it looks like it has lifted along the line of the plate because as it is continually moved it has sliced through the silk fibres? Curious indeed.
Really fascinating, thank you so much for sharing it with us. If it was part of a pelmet’s round a bed the back would be seen by the people in bed so it would, probably need silk on the back. I wondered if the metal at the edge was the remnants of an edging done in metal which has disintegrated, just a thought. I so wish that better records of these old techniques were available to us, I do hope you can figure it out and show us how you get on doing it. It also occurred to me that maybe they stitched with the metals for speed rather than couching it was after all a bit of curtain likely to be replaced when the owners wanted a change. We see it as precious but maybe at the time it was less so, but I am probably talking rubbish.
Great thoughts thank you! Yes perhaps those metal edges are part of what was there. I have tried stitching with the metal and it is decidely harder than couching it! It also uses twice as much metal so they weren't thinking about keeping costs down!
The metal threads are pristine, no tarnishing worth mentioning. I wonder how high the gold content is? Also, the different metal textures are gorgeous. I would love to try them out. These pieces are a treasure, museum worthy. I truly hope you can stabilize and conserve them. The silk embroidery looks like new and so sumptous!Thank you for this great video! ❤
It's interesting how the silk has degraded so much Annie, yet the metal hardly at all and the embroidery not even slightly! Where could it have been that some of it is in really bad condition and some is in excelent condition...
What incredible pieces of embroidery. I look forward to seeing you experiment with these techniques. Have you thought about contacting some textile museums in France to see if they have any information or book recommendations about this type of embroidery?
Hi Sarah this is a really interesting video, such an amazing find, It must have taken so long to make. Looking forward to seeing more on the techniques thanks for sharing Helen (patreon member)
I just finished reading a history of the French Revolution, and it makes me wonder if these were smuggled out of France with an emigre noble family--especially if they are in fact a religious design, as suggested above. Then I also wonder how it is that they're so *clean*. And I also wonder where they've been for the last 200-300 years. I suppose we'll never know, but it sure is intriguing to think about. Thank you so much for this fascinating video. I hope you figure out the various techniques, especially that weaving design.
This has been absolutely fascinating. In a even 100 years there will be very little of todays produce that will either have survived or anyone would even be interested in. I do wonder if we have gone as far as we can in the invention of 'new' products. There are only so many ways to re invent the wheel.
Fascinating piece of antique embroidery work...beautiful! Who would have created something like this in the 1800s? What would have been the functional purpose of it? Thanks for sharing! By the way, yes, I am interested in learning about preservation...❤
Your video is so interesting and the workmanship of the pieces is just mind blowing. I think the panels may have been part of the top pelmet/valance of a 4 poster bed. Such skilled work on silk would surely have been undertaken for a French noble family or perhaps even somewhere like the Palace of Versailles. I had a quick trip down your rabbit hole (!) and found that Lyon has a reputation going back centuries for silk weaving and fine textiles etc. so I wonder if you sent a photo to Musée des Tissus in Lyon they would provide some information for you, or refer you on to another source within France. I am so glad that it is you that has become the custodian of these fabulous, delicate pieces of history - your care and enthusiasm is so evident. Looking forward to follow up videos.
What an amazing piece of work and a lucky find. Thankyou for sharing this piece with us. Did you have it sent over from France.? Your explanation and unravelling the history of this beautiful piece of embroidery is so inspiring. I did think it was a pelmet around a four poster bed. However as the silk at the back has deteriorated so badly I wonder if it has been around a window area and exposed to strong sunlight……. Yes please more of the same. A very traumatic week so this has been just what I needed.🙏
Sorry to hear you have had a terrible week Sue, I hope this one has started off better for you? Yes the state of the silk would indicate it's been in some pretty harsh environmental conditions. Strangely, it came via America!
The embroidery with plate ribbon reminds me of something I read once describing the embroidered decoration on the court dresses of Princess Charlotte (only daughter of George IV). Alas I cannot remember where I saw that!! But it described something similar. That would have been around 1815 (ish), so not so far away from the date of this embroidery perhaps.
Thank you for a REALLY nice historical lesson and view of this beautiful work!! I also want to thank Jonathan for the up close camera views - they're REALLY very good and help with the visual. I am curious if you believe that for the metal work they would have had special needles with very large eyes to, not only make larger holes in the fabric that would keep the metal work from twisting as they sewed? And, possible the same for the chenille? Also, I didn't notice any areas where they may have ended the threads/metal, e.g. knots, etc.?? Thanks again.
I bought it in the US so I think the other way around! I think it was French and someone suggested it might have been taken out of the coutnry when the French Revolution happened which seems very plausible!
Could it be a part of a folded dressing screen panel? So that the curved part was on the top? In contrast to be on the bottom if it was a part of some curtain arrangement. That could explain the odd looking edge if it has been attached to some kind of frame. It could also explain the use of cardboard to add stability and perhaps restrain any look-through possibility if it was used to dress behind.
Hi Sarah, I was wondering if the embroidery has been worked on one big piece of fabric. Then, they cut up as they proceeded with the construction. Perhaps it was produced by a different artisan. Jan .
Love your humor never looks it as I'ma comment stated it got me to stop give it a view been busy yet l stop glad l did 👁️ 🍭 🍬 lol😍 & your antique purchase Keep Rocking 🤙 the good Vintage finds & in depth look🌳🍂🌻🎃 The Force 🖖 continues with you & yours & your style but it creative informative humorous 😉l enjoy life with few giggles 😂🗽🇺🇲🦅🪵🐉🐈
This type of metal wire embroidery is named "tel kırma" in Turkish, and it's one of the popular embroidery styles in Anatolia. In the linked video, she is explaining Hristo stitch (kind of fishbone) on silk. Although it's in Turkish, it might give an idea of how it's done. ruclips.net/video/d9lB3cRzZ_k/видео.htmlsi=o-Un8vDG46GXLSke
Thank you for this! It is the same method as they use for Mukesh work in India. I've got some of those needles and have tried a bit if it, it's not easy!
Such a beautiful piece of embroidery. Such a shame it is disintegrating. Could the V&A help you with your investigations? Thank you for such an interesting video
More, more, more of this work please Sarah. The sheer quality and beauty of the embroidery just makes you gasp. I think many of us would be
delighted to follow along with you as you explore these pieces. x
Sarah, what a joy this video is. As a passionate historian, I am enthralled with your forensic investigation into these beautiful pieces. What marvels they are and what incredible artisans who created them. You're a star 🌟 for bringing this work to us.
Thank you Margaret! I don't know if my investigations are accurate or not, I might know more when I try to replicate some of it!
I can see why you couldn't pass up these pieces. They're stunning. The work on them is incredible. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I hope we see them again, and your exploration of the stitching on them.
Sara, you are the most professional embroiderer I know and, may I say, your hair is always on point! I usually never even notice peoples hair, but the way you style your hair is really perfect every time. Cheers from Italy :-)
Absolutely fascinating. The only time I have stitched with chenille as a thread I used a fine stiletto to make a small hole in the fabric for the chenille to go through.
Fascinating ! I love the way you analyze the techniques. Learning so much from your videos. Thanks a million...
What a privilege to be able to see these stunning pieces Sarah, I'm so pleased (for us!) that you succumbed to the temptation and bought them.
Re the 'sew-through' method of using the plate, in Topkapi Palace (Istanbul, Turkiye) there are some magnificent examples of Ottoman Embroidery showing this where it was used on robes and ceremonial open-weave linen towels.
Thank you for sharing this, and I'm looking forward to more exploration of these beautiful pieces.
Ooo, I'll see if I can find some images of these Jane thanks! I have been to Topkapi Palace and all I can remember is the Topkapi diamond!
The needle used looks very similar to a flattened bodkin (for holding the plate) which also makes a wide-enough opening in the fabric for the plate to pass through. Tricky, but do-able, and easier with more open weave cotton or linen. Good luck down that rabbit hole🤞
These are truly remarkable pieces. This is also very educational, so many ways to embroidery using delicate materials, the mixture of materials from silk, chenille, paper (cardboard), netting, and so much more. I enjoy learning the history of this beautiful craft so many possibilities of creating works of art. Thank you for sharing. Respectfully yours.
I like your theory that it's from a bed, not window curtains. In The Chateau Diaries YT channel, Stephanie had a design epiphany a while ago, realising that classic French style tends to put all their fabric and styling into decorating their beds, while curtains hang simply, without pelmets (unlike English style which is the opposite). So I'd agree, this is most likely a pelmet fragment from bed curtains.
Thank you coffemuse, that's really interesting!
This reminded me of a recent video from the Royal Collection Trust. They featured a french bed George IV bought in 1790 that is currently in one of the public rooms of Windsor Castle. It has a high bed crown with drapery of this shape coming down. They think Queen Charlotte made the embroideries on that bed.
Thank you ladyflimflam I will look into that!
Oh my goodness, so beautiful. You must feel as I did when I found the padding to some valances MADE FROM ANCIENT QUILTS. So fun!
Your box of vintage metal threads reminds me of some of the ones I've bought from Tinsel Trading in Berkeley, California. (They used to be in Manhattan but they moved from NY to CA in 2017.) They have all sorts of pre-WWII metal threads from France. The shop was originally owned by the grandfather of the current owner. He imported huge quantities of metal threads in the 1930s and became the primary supplier of metal threads to the US military (for dress uniforms and such) during WWII, when it was impossible to import them from Europe.
That's fascinating Tim thank you!
I think this was part of a bed crown, which were very popular in France around this time. It would then make sense that the back was finished in silk, as you would see that part when you were in bed looking up.
I can see how excited you are to own and carefully examine these beautiful pieces. I can see how you respect the artist who made this art. I am so glad to shared your joy with us. TY.
❤ from 🇨🇦
Thanks for sharing these fascinating works of embroidery and the materials used. I enjoyed listening to your embroidery detective work!
These pieces are amazing. I really enjoyed learning about the history and techniques and especially liked seeing it up close. Thanks so much for sharing.
I agree about the fragment going around a bed because there doesn't seem to be sun damage. Sun would have destroyed silk. They are absolutely gorgeous and I'm so jealous!! Thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness, I so enjoyed this hour of fun and detective work. How amazing and beautiful. And so informative too! It's so wonderful that you share your knowledge and also your continued curiosity with all of us. And all of this, with your wonderful sense of humor and fun included. A perfect video in my opinion. Thank you so very much and please keep on doing exactly what you're doing!
Thank you so much! X
Thank you for showing and telling about these
interesting pieces of embroidery.
I found your video very fascinating from the embroidery point of view. I realized that embroidery could be looked at from an iconographical perspective, as the motifs could certainly be connected to a religious figure. The shape of the metalworked floral border resembles a quatrefoil and is connected to the shape of a Greek cross. The three main flowers in the middle are all usually associated with holy figures: the passion flower symbolizes the Passion of Christ; the rose is often connected to Christ and the Virgin Mary (Rosa sine spina = rose without thorns, alluding to the Immaculate Conception); and the white lily is a symbol of purity and Annunciation to the Virgin, as well as being associated with many saints (St. Joseph, St. Anthony of Padua, etc.). I thought several of these panels might be part of an altar antependium that was cut up, but they could also be from a bed crown.
This was truly amazing. What a beautiful piece you have. Tell us all you want to about them🥰
That's absolutely astonishing and a thing I certainly won't be having a go at.
I thought you would have jumped at this Wilma!! :) x
Ooh yes please, I would be really interested in conservation techniques. Fascinating! Thank you.
Wow Sarah, what a truly fascinating video this is. Congratulations on your detective work so far and I can’t wait to see what else you discover. Such beautiful pieces of work. I can just imagine how wonderful they would look in situ with the light from candles twinkling on the metal work. Thank you Sarah 🥰 xx
This is really interesting. The workmanship that has gone into those pieces in incredible. I always think of the fact that a lot of old work would have been done with only natural daylight or a candle light.
Imagine how that metal looked in candle light!
Oh my! I am so excited to see this, it’s exquisite and I’m not surprised that you succumbed to it. I wonder if the little pieces of gold on the edge helped to weight it down, perhaps it is from around a bed because the back would be visible when the drapes were open, hence the silk backing. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Sarah, you have bought some real treasure there 💕
Thank you for a wonderful video Sarah! I enjoyed every second of it. I can't wait for your next video on these amazing embroidery pieces. My first thought when I saw the shape was that it was a pelmet. I think your idea about them being bed pelmets is correct. So many mysteries to be solved with these two embroideries. It had never occurred to me that you could sew with chenille or metal plate embroidery threads.
Hi Sarah, I inherited a beautiful piece of 17th century bargello embroidery. Colors are all magnificent, but the silk is on its last legs. I framed it with UV glass and mounted on acid free paper and it will hang in my darkest room. I want to enjoy it.
Fascinating to learn the results of your detective work on these pieces. Would be great to find out more about their original purpose and where they came from.
What an exciting find! To a weaver, chenille yarn is a gorgeous and lush fiber to work with, but trying to pass it THROUGH fabric would terrify me!! Thank you for an informative talk.
Fabulous video! Well worth the wait after your teasers lol. The detail on these pieces is amazing & I can't get my head round how the silk stayed in one piece from the get go, with the metal having been sewn through, instead of couched. How did it stay in one piece! It's like some sort of wizardry 😂. Look forward to seeing more videos on these pieces 😊
I'm still trying to work that out too Rebekah, it's paying the price now though!
Super amazing video. So interesting. Looking forward to you doing further videos on the antique stitching
Thanks Sarah for sharing your embroidery with us. I really enjoy all your videos.
Thank you Cathy X
That was the first thing I thought of...curtains simply because of the curved bottom section. But if it doesn't show any sun exposure, then most likely it was a curtain for the bed.
Lucky you to have found such a treasure! After you read that bit of history regarding chenille embroidery, I was not surprised when I heard that it was used for decorating clothing among other things. I can envision an 18th century court dress with a design such as what you found. Even men wore elaborate embroidered vests and coats! Imagine what it would have been like in those days to attend a ball when Marie Antoinette was queen! I would have been openly staring and admiring everyone's embellished clothing.
I wholeheartedly agree with your comment on how much one can appreciate work like this once you know how it is made. It is how I came to appreciate fine pottery that I see at Arts n Craft fairs during the holiday season. I never took much notice of the handmade plates or cups or any other kitchenware when I started attending these fairs. Then one year, I decided to enroll in a pottery class. Oh my....that was a humbling experience. I would get behind the spinning wheel with blob of clay set on it and proceed to create a bowl, or a cup, which eventually folded into itself for various reasons. It is not easy! Takes lots of practice! So I look at this beautiful chenille work and wonder how in the world did they do it? And without any backing?!
Here is a small article on a fire screen panel that Marie Antoinette had embroidered. It is on display at the Metropolitan Museum. It has photos of the front, back, and a closeup so you can see the stitches she used to create her initials (M A). Lovely work! www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/226810 I wonder now if she did some of the embroidery on her dresses? Who knows?
Thank you for sharing your wonderful purchase with us!
Thank you for the link, I'll be sure to look at that!
I wonder if there was a braid along the edge? made of the metal tape and perhaps tasselled? I know that metal braids and embroidery were sometimes taken apart to regain the metal. It's a spectacular piece and surprisingly light weight in construction.
It's pure delight watching you traverse the possibilities. Long may it reign Sarah!
P.S. I'd love to see some of Marie Antoinette's embroideries.
Someone sent me the link to this one!
www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/226810
Wow incredible piece and love the story ❤😊 like you say such patience really is a labour of love 😮 might have been apart of a table runner or a pellmit yes
Clever Jonathan. Thinking outside the box. I would think all that metal would make it too heavy to hang. Perhaps you can keep it sandwiched between two pieces of glass so one could see both top and underneath (I did that with an autographed LP album cover my husband had collected.
The problem is, you shouldn't have anything touching the embroidery as that will damage it further so I don't know how it would stay in a double sided frame? It would be nice to see both sides though!
I think talking about some conservation ideas would be interesting. I’ve found myself dealing with altar falls which needed a little work. Maybe other amateur stitchers would be interested too.
Morning, gorgeous piece of embroidery. My thoughts, for what they are worth: if it was used as a pelmet the woven layer could have been starched to add some rigidity and the woven design looks like a technique used in Dorset buttons.
I've had a closer look at the weaving Sharon and have a few more ideas about how it may have been done but I need to try it out to really learn I think...
What a fascinating video, loved it (trouble is l felt so inadequate afterwards, imagining it being sewn, the patience of it)
Yes me too Susan!!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery lol
Prachtig om te zien, en het lijkt of ze ook met borduren meesterwerk konden maken.😍
Conservation would be very interesting, But everything you do is interesting! Thanks for the great videos!
Very interesting! I had no idea there were all these kinds of metal threads. It boggles my mind to think of how long it must have taken to learn these skills. I wonder how long it took to make a household object into a piece of art? Certainly wasn’t made for the common people.
Excellent video!! Thank you so much ❣️❣️❣️
This was a fascinating video. Loved it and all of your future video ideas that are inspired by this
As I’m watching and seeing how the stitched through the very tightly woven silk, could they have made staggered holes in the fabric, with a thicker, needle so that they could stitch around and around? This is such beautiful work. Thank you for sharing with us! 🤩🤗🫶🏻❤️
That was very interesting to learn about, and it was gorgeous to see.
So beautiful, thank you for showing
Those embroideries are stunning and when you consider that they were stitched by daylight or candle light then that’s even more impressive. You are so lucky to have found them.😊
Would the Royal School of Needlework have any ideas about the provenance or how to preserve them?
Imagine how the metal would have glinted in candle light! The RSN would know yes but I can't afford to ask their advice even with Alumni status!
Absolutely fascinating!! Thank you for sharing it!!
Cutest thumbnail ever!
(and the video was great too, of course)
I knew my forest cape would come in useful one day!
Those embroidery pieces are gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing them.
Thank you Sarah and Jonathan for your video. My word what amazing pieces of work I can see why you were fascinated by them. It's mind blowing to see that goldwork go around the fabric what craftsmanship. It is lovely to see these close up (so to speak) and hear you talk about the techniques used .I can't get over the colour, you would expect such a lot of fading. Wherever they have been hiding I think they have been in the dark.
Very interesting! Yes, please show us more about Chenille embroidery. I have never seen that before. TFS 💕
Love this video and so looking forward to more exploration and trial stitching inspired by this piece of embroidery.
Thanks for sharing Sarah. I wonder if "sewing" with the gold plate would cause the silk to deteriorate quicker because the edges of the plate would almost cut the silk. I wonder how they stopped the "cutting at the edges of the plate or maybe that is why in some parts it looks like it has lifted along the line of the plate because as it is continually moved it has sliced through the silk fibres? Curious indeed.
The plate has definitely sped up the deterioration of the silk!
Really fascinating, thank you so much for sharing it with us. If it was part of a pelmet’s round a bed the back would be seen by the people in bed so it would, probably need silk on the back. I wondered if the metal at the edge was the remnants of an edging done in metal which has disintegrated, just a thought. I so wish that better records of these old techniques were available to us, I do hope you can figure it out and show us how you get on doing it. It also occurred to me that maybe they stitched with the metals for speed rather than couching it was after all a bit of curtain likely to be replaced when the owners wanted a change. We see it as precious but maybe at the time it was less so, but I am probably talking rubbish.
Great thoughts thank you! Yes perhaps those metal edges are part of what was there. I have tried stitching with the metal and it is decidely harder than couching it! It also uses twice as much metal so they weren't thinking about keeping costs down!
The metal threads are pristine, no tarnishing worth mentioning. I wonder how high the gold content is? Also, the different metal textures are gorgeous. I would love to try them out. These pieces are a treasure, museum worthy. I truly hope you can stabilize and conserve them. The silk embroidery looks like new and so sumptous!Thank you for this great video! ❤
It's interesting how the silk has degraded so much Annie, yet the metal hardly at all and the embroidery not even slightly! Where could it have been that some of it is in really bad condition and some is in excelent condition...
What incredible pieces of embroidery. I look forward to seeing you experiment with these techniques. Have you thought about contacting some textile museums in France to see if they have any information or book recommendations about this type of embroidery?
I absolutely loved this video,as a new member it’s been a joy. Thank you
Fascinating. thanks
Fascinating! Excited to learn more! 👍✌️❤️😊
Hi Sarah this is a really interesting video, such an amazing find, It must have taken so long to make. Looking forward to seeing more on the techniques thanks for sharing Helen (patreon member)
Now I have looked at it even closer, I can't imagine making it Helen!
Truly fascinating. I hope you can find out more information on the construction of this lovely piece of art.
Absolutely fascinating, thank you for sharing Sarah❤
Absolutely loved this video…..thank you for sharing something so precious 🤩💕
I just finished reading a history of the French Revolution, and it makes me wonder if these were smuggled out of France with an emigre noble family--especially if they are in fact a religious design, as suggested above. Then I also wonder how it is that they're so *clean*. And I also wonder where they've been for the last 200-300 years. I suppose we'll never know, but it sure is intriguing to think about. Thank you so much for this fascinating video. I hope you figure out the various techniques, especially that weaving design.
That's a really interesting thought Kelly; I bought them from America so yes, how did they get there? They are lucky to have survived at all I guess!
Thanks, Sarah. 💐 Carol
Thank you Carol X
This has been absolutely fascinating. In a even 100 years there will be very little of todays produce that will either have survived or anyone would even be interested in. I do wonder if we have gone as far as we can in the invention of 'new' products. There are only so many ways to re invent the wheel.
Fascinating piece of antique embroidery work...beautiful! Who would have created something like this in the 1800s? What would have been the functional purpose of it? Thanks for sharing! By the way, yes, I am interested in learning about preservation...❤
Someone with alot of skill for someone with alot of money I think Darlene!
Thank you very good❤❤❤
Your video is so interesting and the workmanship of the pieces is just mind blowing. I think the panels may have been part of the top pelmet/valance of a 4 poster bed. Such skilled work on silk would surely have been undertaken for a French noble family or perhaps even somewhere like the Palace of Versailles. I had a quick trip down your rabbit hole (!) and found that Lyon has a reputation going back centuries for silk weaving and fine textiles etc. so I wonder if you sent a photo to Musée des Tissus in Lyon they would provide some information for you, or refer you on to another source within France. I am so glad that it is you that has become the custodian of these fabulous, delicate pieces of history - your care and enthusiasm is so evident. Looking forward to follow up videos.
Amazing video full of history and facts! 😊
This definitely is fascinating
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing😊
What an amazing piece of work and a lucky find. Thankyou for sharing this piece with us. Did you have it sent over from France.? Your explanation and unravelling the history of this beautiful piece of embroidery is so inspiring. I did think it was a pelmet around a four poster bed. However as the silk at the back has deteriorated so badly I wonder if it has been around a window area and exposed to strong sunlight……. Yes please more of the same. A very traumatic week so this has been just what I needed.🙏
Sorry to hear you have had a terrible week Sue, I hope this one has started off better for you? Yes the state of the silk would indicate it's been in some pretty harsh environmental conditions. Strangely, it came via America!
The embroidery with plate ribbon reminds me of something I read once describing the embroidered decoration on the court dresses of Princess Charlotte (only daughter of George IV). Alas I cannot remember where I saw that!! But it described something similar. That would have been around 1815 (ish), so not so far away from the date of this embroidery perhaps.
Really interesting discussion ,re the net ,I wondered if perhaps it was in a contrasting colour ,now much faded ?
Really want to see what you do with those beautiful pieces 😊
Thank you for a REALLY nice historical lesson and view of this beautiful work!! I also want to thank Jonathan for the up close camera views - they're REALLY very good and help with the visual. I am curious if you believe that for the metal work they would have had special needles with very large eyes to, not only make larger holes in the fabric that would keep the metal work from twisting as they sewed? And, possible the same for the chenille? Also, I didn't notice any areas where they may have ended the threads/metal, e.g. knots, etc.?? Thanks again.
Es la técnica de bordado milenario del estado de Oaxaca en México🇲🇽 principalmente del vestido de mujer Tehuanas de México 🇲🇽⚜🇲🇽
Maybe it was for a canopy above a bed or the back of a chair?
My goodness this was fascinating! Do you think this was made somewhere other than France and then shipped there?
I bought it in the US so I think the other way around! I think it was French and someone suggested it might have been taken out of the coutnry when the French Revolution happened which seems very plausible!
So interesting
Amazing
Could it be a part of a folded dressing screen panel? So that the curved part was on the top? In contrast to be on the bottom if it was a part of some curtain arrangement. That could explain the odd looking edge if it has been attached to some kind of frame. It could also explain the use of cardboard to add stability and perhaps restrain any look-through possibility if it was used to dress behind.
Hi Sarah, I was wondering if the embroidery has been worked on one big piece of fabric. Then, they cut up as they proceeded with the construction. Perhaps it was produced by a different artisan. Jan .
Maybe these belong in a museum where they could possibly tell you more about them and they could be professionally conserved.
If a museum wants to buy them off me I'm all ears!
Love the thumbnail 😊
the shape reminds me of a seat back or cushion
I think too delicate though Susan for something that would have been used?
What sort of needles do you think were used?
Videos on that coming!
would it be apart of a wooden fireguard
Could these be pieces meant to be attached to a gown or other piece of clothing?
Love your humor never looks it as I'ma comment stated it got me to stop give it a view been busy yet l stop glad l did 👁️ 🍭 🍬 lol😍 &
your antique purchase Keep Rocking 🤙 the good Vintage finds & in depth look🌳🍂🌻🎃
The Force 🖖 continues with you & yours & your style but it creative informative humorous 😉l enjoy life with few giggles 😂🗽🇺🇲🦅🪵🐉🐈
I can see it being a bed canopy, hence the silk on the back so that the stitching isn't showing while someone was in bed
This type of metal wire embroidery is named "tel kırma" in Turkish, and it's one of the popular embroidery styles in Anatolia. In the linked video, she is explaining Hristo stitch (kind of fishbone) on silk. Although it's in Turkish, it might give an idea of how it's done. ruclips.net/video/d9lB3cRzZ_k/видео.htmlsi=o-Un8vDG46GXLSke
Thank you! This video was really enlightening. 💐 Carol
Oh they use a flat needle. That makes sense. Thank you for the link.
Thank you for this! It is the same method as they use for Mukesh work in India. I've got some of those needles and have tried a bit if it, it's not easy!
Such a beautiful piece of embroidery. Such a shame it is disintegrating. Could the V&A help you with your investigations? Thank you for such an interesting video
It could also have decorated a theater curtain.
Canopy bed?