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Italian
EmbroideryJanuary 2001
As part of my City & Guilds Creative Embroidery course, I am studying the history of Italian embroidery. I have only managed to find one book on the subject and wonder if you know of any others. I particularly need books with pictures in them. Also, do you know of any museums apart from the Victoria & Albert that might have postcards of Italian embroidery for purchase?
Ann Billinghurst
London SE23
... and ...I refer to the letter from Ann Billinghurst in the January edition of The World of Embroidery. I am not surprised that she has not found any books on Italian embroidery, because it is a very regional activity. Most of the classical embroidery comes from the Florence area but this is mainly embroiderered sheets, pillowcases, table linen, etc. There is, of course, the Assisi embroidery, and there are probably publications on that. However, nearly all the books being published following the recent increased interest in embroidery are translations, having originated in other countries. There are several magazines but they are nearly all for cross-stitchers. Drawn thread work is also practised. Creative embroidery as such is unknown but some magazines mention appliqué.
Beryl de Rinaldine-Leach
Milan, Italy