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British embroidery: Curious works from the seventeenth century (Williamsburg decorative arts series)

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"This book was prepared in conjunction with the exhibit British embroidery: curious works from the seventeenth century, December 5, 1998, to September 6, 1999, at the DeWitt Wallace Gallery, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Va." --T.p. verso.

This book is not an exhaustive study of seventeenth-century English needlework. It is, however, an exploration of seven themes that have emerged out of the author's twelve-year study of period objects--embroidery, sewing, knitting and lace--and what men and women of the time had to say about those objects. Countless individuals opened their collections for the author to examine.

As much as a verbal image reveals qualities of a writer, visual images reveal qualities of the maker. It is difficult to overrate the the possibilities to be discovered in so rich a group of visual works as English embroidery of the seventeenth century. These images are lasting remnants of of particular attitudes, beliefs, and concerns of segments of seventeenth century English society. Documents such as diaries, wills, inventories, and literature indicate that embroidery served a key function in female education, female domestic activity, male profession and female occupation, and cottage industry. As well as being a personal statement, needlework was a vehicle for personal, social and political expression.

Many color and B&W photos, extensive historical detail.