The dark days of the coldest season form a dramatic backdrop to Christmas at this time of year. Light and candles play an important role in many festivals the world over - not least in lifting our spirits around the time of the shortest day. It seems timely then to look at a form of traditional embroidery that celebrates light like no other. Goldwork has been highly prized through the ages for its sumptuous and shimmering surfaces. We visit a British company still making metal threads in the traditional time-served way and visit the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Kensington Palace. We also talk to embroidery tutor Tracy A Franklin and take a peek at one of the many goldwork items held within the Embroiderers' Guild Museum Collection.
On this note, we would like to wish a sad farewell to Lynn Szygenda, whom many of you will know has been curator of this collection since 1987. In the 22 years she has served the Guild, Lynn has worked tirelessly to enhance the status of the collection within the museum community and beyond; ensuring its recognition as one of national importance. Lynn has overseen many of its important acquisitions and has been involved in organising exhibitions and producing books related to the collection, as well as sharing her knowledge through the pages of both Embroidery and Stitch. We would like to thank her and to wish her well in the future.
Jo Hall