Quilted embroidery and tales of Tristan

Wrote about this some years ago - but on Sunday actually saw the quilt of Tristan and his adventures at the V&A.  It is huge, so much bigger than I expected. And the stitches have survived perfectly: the colour has faded, of course, so in one sense it is impossible to imagine how this 14th century quilt looked originally. Almost 900 years ago.  Such lively scenes.

Folding stone

Stone carving on a tomb in the V&A - folds of stone cloth falling gently from the body. A foot pressing into a cushion and the spur falling off to the side.... Feet in death - why do they feature so prominently in sculpture? Memories of Christ's nailed to the Cross, I guess.

An embellished tapestry

Love this embellished tapestry....

A name day present in the Warsaw Uprising Museum

Not my best photograph but was struck by this name day present to a Colonel in the Warsaw Uprising from his subordinates. A message is embroidered on it.

Created in extreme circumstances with little at hand. Embroidery making a powerful statement.

The Warsaw Uprising in 1944 was a 63-struggle to liberate the city from the Nazis. It failed despite heroic efforts. The Germans subsequently razed most of the city - hard to imagine but these colour photographs give an idea.

 

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