I love exploring the history behind things. I got hooked on gold work when taking a seminar from The Royal House of Needlework several years ago. Here's my second project in the works. It's from an ANG Correspondence Course called "English Heart I":
Goldwork is believed to have originated in China centuries
ago. It spread to Egypt, to Italy and
Spain, Western Europe and eventually to North America. Goldwork can even be found in
the tombs of the pharaohs.
Gold
has historically been a symbol of affluence and high social status. It’s one of
the oldest form of English embroidery with records dating before the 10th
century. Goldwork was traditionally created for church vestments and trappings.
Because specially trained groups created this embroidery, only the very wealthy
could afford to retain the artisans. It was classed as a great art, because of
its fine art concept and historical properties.
“Then came Henry the VIII’s
reign, which brought an end to this glorious period in English Goldwork
Embroidery. With his split from the Catholic Church, the destruction of all
things connected with Goldwork Embroidery was the order of the day.
“As
with everything Catholic, they were destroyed or melted down for their gold
content value. The loss of all these valuable garments the quality of which
will never be reproduced again was inestimable." Information Courtesy of The Golden Hinde
Though
Henry VIII destroyed thousands of valuable garments, he didn’t flinch when it
came to his own attire. He had his clothing embellished to gold and jewels.
Elizabeth I was known for her richly embellished dresses and robes.
Unfortunately,
today it’s an uncommon skill, as few embroiderers work this fine art today. I encourage you to go to The Golden Hinde for more
information. The website is rich with information about this fabulous form of embroidery.
“Try
it – You might like it!”
