‘The purse of rich prosperity’: Tasseled Pouch Workshop

Directed by Tanya Bentham

When: Friday 07 July, 10.00-16.00
Where: Parkinson Building: Room B.09
Price: £34.50

Before pockets were sewn into clothing, the purse or pouch, worn at the waist, was an essential accessory for both men and women to keep money and other small objects safe. Purses could be simple constructions of leather or fabric, or much more elaborate, featuring sumptuous fabrics and elaborate embroidery.

Participants in this workshop will create a medieval style pouch or purse in silk brocade trimmed with braids and tassels. Participants will learn to braid using a simple fingerlooping or plaiting technique and to construct tassels with broidered tops before assembling and lining their new medieval fashion accessory.

All materials are included. Demonstrations of the relevant techniques, including simple braiding and passementerie as well as basic sewing will be shown throughout the day, as well as individual tuition where needed.

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 also making 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.

Please note that lunch is not included.

The workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended.