'Craft against vice I must apply': A Medieval Appliqué Workshop

This event is now fully booked.

Directed by Tanya Bentham

When: Friday 11 July, 10.00-16.00
Where: Laidlaw Library: Teaching Room 2
Price: £49.50

The technique of appliqué is as ancient as the art of sewing itself, providing a simple, rapid, and relatively inexpensive method of obtaining a decorative effect by stitching cloth pieces to a contrasting background. The term appliqué derives from the word appliquer, which means ‘to put on’ or ‘to cover’. Early appliqué was probably used to lengthen the life of clothing but developed into the artful techniques that can be seen in the textile art of numerous cultures from around the world. Appliqué was widely used in medieval embroidery, yet, because the technique was not as valued as high-status embroideries using gold and silk, only a few examples survive. It was, however, popular, presumably because it yielded quick results and used up scraps of fabric. Moreover, examples such as the Tristan hanging in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London show how vibrant the results could be.

The workshop will begin with a short introductory talk about medieval appliqué, discussing both techniques and surviving examples, followed by a practical demonstration. Participants will then have time to practice and to design their own work, using wool, silk threads, and gilded leather strip to create their own medieval iPad cover, small cushion, or bag, using their own designs or one supplied by the instructor.

All materials will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own scissors, if possible, as well as a sketch pad for experimenting with designs. Each participant will be provided with English Melton wool cloth, gilded leather strip, silk cord, linen thread, cotton fabric (for linings), and a needle.

Award-winning textile artist Tanya Bentham has been a re-enactor for years, working for 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.

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