Embroidery: A Stitch In Time
King Athelstan-Jacky Puzey All Saints Church, Kingston
As far back as 35,000 B.C. there are pictures depicting the use of silk thread embroidery on Chinese garments, along with the application of pearls and gemstones.
The word embroidery comes from the French word ‘broderie’ or embellishment. Its use has always provided a fascinating insight into different cultures and their histories.
Early Japanese Embroidery (Photo by Ryan McBride)
Modern Embroidery
Embroidery today is a wonderfully versatile medium that can allow an artisan to employ a huge variety of different methods to produce anything from a contemporary artwork to a richly embroidered, medieval style tapestry or vestment.
This versatility is apparent within the range of pieces that Jacky produces. Her bespoke furnishings and contemporary artworks sit comfortably alongside a range of ecclesiastical work that she regularly undertakes, such as the commission for the 7 Saxon Kings at Kingston All Saints.
7 Saxon Kings- Jacky Puzey All Saints Church, Kingston
Embroidery has a rich and varied history across many cultures but is also a constantly changing and developing craft. This means that there are almost limitless possibilities for people to express their creativity through this decorative art.
Historical Roots
The history and therefore importance of undertaking work that has traceable roots such as this, is not lost on Jacky. She is very careful to honor this by employing traditional skills alongside digital technology, which allow a contemporary exploration of an ancient craft.
Among various ancient civilizations there is evidence depicted on vases, sculptures and paintings of citizens wearing thread-embroidered garments. These cultures include India, China, Persia, Japan, Medieval and Baroque Europe and many others, where embroidered clothing was used to denote wealth and status.
Many embroidery techniques have been passed down through generations and can help us understand the ingenuity and talent possessed by older civilizations.
English Work
Throughout Medieval England embroiderers formed workshops and guilds to hone their craft. The work produced was famous across Europe and was called ‘Opus Anglicanum’ or “English Work”.
“The phrase Opus Anglicanum was first coined in the 13th Century to describe the highly prized and luxurious embroideries made in England of silk, gold and silver thread, teeming with elaborate imagery. “
Much of the surviving Opus Anglicanum work was designed for the church in the form of vestments or antependia (church furnishings). The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, holds one of the widest and most specialized collections of these artifacts.