Welcome to the Weekend, and another delightful diversion for needlework enthusiasts!
If you want to dive down a rabbit hole or two this weekend and explore some interesting bits of embroidery from the past, I’ve got two terrific resources for you.
But be warned!
Rabbit holes are notoriously captivating. And once you’re in… you’re in!
Let’s start with a very famous museum with very notable textile holdings – specifically, the V&A in London (the Victoria & Albert Museum).
Welcome to the V&A – virtually – and specifically, to the Embroidery Collections on the V&A website.
I won’t go into a huge detail. I’ll just tell you this: the collections section on the website has been reformatted, it is deliciously easy to browse different types and eras of embroidery and read about them, view the holdings, and really enjoy the collections!
Go! What are you waiting for?!
Another Coronation Dress to Explore
A couple weeks ago, we chatted about Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation dress, and I directed you to the Royal Collection Trust website to view an article on the dress (with some great photos) and to perhaps sign up – if interested – for a lecture on the dress.
Today, let’s step back farther in history to Queen Elizabeth II’s great-grandmother, Queen Alexandra, the Danish princess who became Queen Consort when she married Edward VII in 1863.
This fabulous article on The Court Jeweller website highlights Alexandra’s coronation dress, and there are some stunning images of it that are worth seeing, if you’re not familiar with it.
The latter half of the 1800’s through the beginning of the 1900’s is such a fascinating period of history. There was a lot going on, everywhere – positive and negative. It’s an engrossing era to explore, both in history in general, and in textile arts.
I mean, if you get into that kind of stuff.
Which I do.
I’m kind of nerdy that way.
Have a lovely weekend!
Oh hey! Next week this time, I’ll be posting a book review and a give-away! Keep an eye out for it!
Thank you so much for the articles about the coronation gowns, they are breathtaking!! I would have loved to have been one of the people to sew on the beads and adornments!! I just can’t get over the details and the hours it took to make the dresses! Wow!!!
It saddens me to know the many little ermines that were killed for their skins to adorn a garment.
Yes, I am nerdy that way too – History has been my first love (since grade school)
Thank you for these references! It reminded me about the book: “The Gown” — about the embroideresses that worked on the Royal Wedding dress. Historic fiction. It is a fabulous book (if you have ANY time to read — which I can’t imagine!!!). I KNOW you would enjoy it. I highly recommend it. (I don’t think it is out on audio yet, however.)
Thanks, Bobbi! I admit I have a hard time reading historical fiction. Most of the time, I find there’s a lot of bunk woven in, because many authors fail to use primary sources. But many people have recommended this book, so I will keep an eye out for it the next time I’m out and about and can pop in at the library!
Tiniest correction – Alexandra married Edward and became Princess of Wales in 1863. She became Queen Consort in 1901, when Victoria died and Edward ascended the throne as the new king. Prior to that, Victoria was Queen (no modifiers), the ruling monarch, and Albert was her Prince Consort.
Mary, thanks for sharing this. It’s all very beautiful.