This blog page has become an ideas exchange page between our members creating small experimental samples. Every four months the sample theme will change but the following will stay the same.
A maximum size limit of 10cm x 10 cm x 1 cm ( 4” x 4” x 3/8” )
A related script of 100 words maximum focusing on the chosen sample materials, design source and/or reflections on the finished piece
June 2010
Following the March 2010 AGM talk by Anthea Godfrey, on the Or Nué work of her mother Margaret Nicholson, some of our members are experimenting with this ancient couching technique. The English were world famous for it in the Middle Ages as it was used in the fabulous gold clerical embroidery known as Opus Anglicanum. Selected samples will be regularly posted below. The end date for submitting work on the following theme is 31.08.10
‘Incorporating Or Nué’
Liz Holliday
This experiment revolved around couching plastic covered gold wire washing line, rather than fine rolled gold thread.
Only rug canvas was tough enough to support the washing line, but it looked good when painted gold.
Instead of traditional fine silk threads, I couched with torn strips of silk fabric.
I experimented with close couching (every canvas hole), spaced couching (every other hole) and spaced alternate hole couching (every other hole but changing the hole positions in each row).
I liked the abstract image I created and the varied character of the silk couching but cutting the wire was painful!
Cathy Griffiths
Sample inspired by a fragment of Coptic embroidery in the V & A.
I chose to work it traditionally, to try to represent the close linen weave of the original fabric. I laid the gold thread down and created the design with single silk threads of different colours.
The original piece had been damaged by time so to try to convey this I made a background of small bits of thread, floss and wire, which I embellished onto a piece of old velvet curtain.
I could do more work to create a damaged and faded look in the centre too.