The Eye of the Needle displays embroideries which include colourful raised and flat work pictorial panels, fine white and polychrome samplers, household items such as boxes and cushions, and dress accessories including caps, coifs and gloves. This highly feminine embroidery shows visual delight in complex surfaces created through individual use of stitches, colorful silks, metal threads, pearls and
semi-precious stones. The use of expensive, luxury materials connects the embroideries with trade, with some pieces depicting symbolic figures of a wider world.
Dr Mary Brooks, curator of the exhibition, says: "Micheál and Elizabeth Feller have created a collection which is a visual feast. Ranging from exquisite whitework miniatures to colourful, lavishly decorated embroideries, these "curious works" intrigue and delight. This exhibition offers a rare
opportunity to explore historic needlework in the context of seventeenth-century religion, politics, trade and culture through a feminine perspective."
© M & E Feller. Photography by R Holdsworth FRPS
Dr Catherine Whistler, Senior Curator of European Art, Ashmolean Museum, says: "We are
profoundly grateful to Micheál and Elizabeth Feller for the opportunity to display their world-renowned
collection together with the Ashmolean's important embroideries. We hope that this exhibition will
have great appeal, not only to the many enthusiasts for textiles and embroidery, but also to audiences
who wish to learn what these beautiful pieces can tell us about a fascinating period of English history
and the life of girls and young women in the seventeenth century. ' The Eye of the Needle: English Embroideries from the Feller Collection, ends 12 October 2014
Publications: Micheál and Elizabeth Feller: The Needlework Collection 2 vols published by Needleprint; £45 (per
volume); available at the Ashmolean Shop or online: www.ashmolean.org/shop
The Big Stitch! 4 October 2014, 11am–4pm
In partnership with the Embroiderers' Guild
Join the Ashmolean for a celebration of all things embroidered at their one-day spectacular, The Big Stitch! There will be events and activities taking place around the Museum including demonstrations of both traditional and cutting-edge
embroidery techniques; talks, tours and lectures; and stitching activities for all ages.
Bring along your own project or start something new. Experts will be on hand to help you improve your stitching or to get you started if you’re a complete needle-novice. All events are free; further details to be announced at http://www.ashmolean.org
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