English Medieval Embroidery: Opus Anglicanum

by Clare Browne (Editor), Glyn Davies (Editor), M.A. Michael (Editor)

In medieval Europe, embroidered textiles were indispensable symbols of wealth and power. Owing to their quality, complexity, and magnificence, English embroideries enjoyed international demand and can be traced in Continental sources as opus anglicanum (English work). This sumptuously illustrated book draws on new research and detailed photography to offer an introduction to their design, production, and use. Essays by leading experts explore the embroideries’ artistic and social context, while catalogue entries examine individual masterpieces. Medieval embroiderers lived in a tightly knit community in London, and many were women who can be identified by name today. Comparisons between their work and contemporary painting challenge modern assumptions about the hierarchy of artistic media. Contributors consider an outstanding range of surviving examples, highlighting their exquisite craftsmanship and exploring the world in which they were created. 

Published in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum

Exhibition Victoria and Albert Museum, London
(October 2016–January 2017)

Genres: History, Medieval, Art, Nonfiction, Fashion

324 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2016

Reviews

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book with amazing pictures. The stitchery on display is mind-boggling in the skill levels required to accomplish the designs, and in the ways the designs were laid out. I liked the articles that explained how the international traffic in embroidered garments/vestments was carried on, and about the guilds, and the people who did the work. Some of these garments were incredibly sumptuous - gold and silver-gilt threads on velvet or silk, or silk-velvet. In many if not most cases, the entire piece of cloth would be covered with embroidered backgrounds. There are many pictures that are close-ups of the embroidery to give you an idea of how wonderful the stitchery is.

I really wish I could have seen the exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum that this book is the catalog of. At least I can look at the pictures!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in the history of embroidery, you should own this book. It was written to accompany an exhibit and is full of pictures and history. It is well researched and worth the price for the pictures alone.