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'Do thou amend thy face': Opus Anglicanum Embroidery Workshop

When: Friday 10 July, 10.00-16.00
Where: Laidlaw Library: Teaching Room 2
Open to: IMC Delegates
Price: £49.50
How to Book: Advance Booking Required via IMC Registration.

A demonstration of Opus Anglicanum embroidery.

 

Directed by Tanya Bentham

'Opus Anglicanum' (English work) is the fine needlework of medieval England created for ecclesiastical or secular use on clothing, hangings, or other textiles, often using gold and silver threads on rich velvet or linen fabric. This embroidery, usually filled with elaborate imagery including people, animals, and plants, was in great demand across Europe, particularly from the late 12th to mid-14th centuries. A luxury product, it was often used for diplomatic gifts. In 2017, Opus Anglicanum was the subject of an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

This workshop provides a rare opportunity to learn the techniques of Opus Anglicanum. Participants will learn and practice the basic stitches - split and underside - and then put these techniques into practice to create the face of a young woman.

All materials will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own scissors. Each participant will be provided with:

  • needles
  • linen canvas sewn onto a frame (frames available to purchase for use after the workshop for a small additional fee)
  • silk and gold threads
  • detailed step-by-step handout including a link to an instructive video

Award-winning textile artist Tanya Bentham has been a re-enactor for years, working the last 20 as a professional living historian. Her main focus has always been on textiles, especially embroidery, but she has also made detours into costume, natural dyeing, weaving, millinery, and silver-smithing. She has delivered workshops for numerous museums, schools, and community organisations throughout Yorkshire. Her books Opus Anglicanum: A Handbook and Bayeaux Stitch: A Practical Handbook were recently published by Crowood Press as part of their embroidery series.

The workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended. Lunch is not included.