Embroiderers (Medieval Craftsmen) (Paperback)

~ Kay Staniland (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Embroiderers in the Middle Ages were purveyors of wealth and status since they supplied the Church and aristocratic patrons with a splendid variety of vestments and alter cloths, clothes and wall-hangings. Although a common pastime among women, professional embroidery was carried out by both men and women who sometimes operated from family workshops. These could expand significantly in response to great demand, as from a royal patron. But how did they acquire their skills? Were they well paid? What techniques did they employ? Who were their designers? The author answers these and many other questions, reassessing past research and introducing new documentary material, and casts light on the shadowy figures who toiled over the pieces we admire today in churches and museums.

With a section explaining and illustrating the techniques, this book will be an invaluable source of information and inspiration tothose interested in the great legacy of medieval embroiderers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press; 1 edition (July 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802069150
• ISBN-13: 978-0802069153
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,178,145 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!!, June 26, 2001

By	Jessica Litwin "rowan_debeauchamp" (Troy, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're interested in Western Embroidery History (from about the first century to 1600), You NEED this book. It has superb pictures and excellent documentation. I can't praise this book enough. I highly recommend that everyone interested in the history of embroidery buy this book. It also includes directions for a few basic stiches as well as a glossary in the back.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History of the stiches , August 8, 2004

By	Vittoria duSolie "fiannakyne" (Springfield, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews

Perfect for Re-inactors especialy those in SCA, HMR, House of the Red Dragon, Adria, Lapis, and the 3 millon other medieval recreation groups. Details EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about how they did embrodry. Not everything was Blackwork, and missing 1 stich didn't ruin the whole project.

24 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars lots of colour photos and inspirational description, August 23, 1998

By	Jessica B. Rupp (Seattle, Wa United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was my first 'inspiration' book and I now can't get enough! Kay Staniland not only shows photo after wonderful photo of many diferent pieces, but there are often detail photos and description of how the technique of each was accomplished and it's subsequent changes during later years.