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Prices of EmbroideriesNovember 2000
I today visited a selection of the 2000 Cushions on show at Pollok House in Glasgow. Although a wonderful selection of different fabrics and techniques I felt quite sad having seen the prices that people had put on their work. I wonder if there are other readers who feel the same way. I had hoped that we are in this new Millennium at a stage where we could put a price on our work which reflects the design and technical expertise shown in all the individual cushions, but instead prices are given which barely cover the price of the cushion pad and the basic fabric. I wonder if this could not have been prevented by giving some guidelines on pricing or even better, having the cushions priced by an independent expert. Surely any art organisation would not have allowed their members to charge so little for their work especially as the cushions are a way of fund-raising.
I priced my own cushion in the same way as if I was selling it myself, giving myself the credit for the work and experience involved in making it and so valuing it and in the process myself at what I think I deserve and it greatly depresses me to think of all these cushions being sold at greatly deflated prices.
I would be very interested to hear what other readers think and look forward to all reactions.
Frieda Oxenham
West Linton, Peeblesshire
...and...November 2000
We have been having a discussion on the value of embroidery, and that many people have been horrified about the prices that had been attached to the work. The following is typical of the subject.
From THRENDS list
<< I saw Cushions 2000 and the work was wonderful. A friend had made a lovely unusual cushion and had priced it very, very low, but someone had raised the price unknown to her. She had such a low opinion of her work, she apologised to me for having such a high price on it. What on earth is wrong with us all? >>
I feel, with many others, that with exhibits like Cushions 2000, the organisers should re-label the work if necessary to reflect the market price or at least near to it.
At Alexandra Palace last year, I was lucky to purchase a Stumpwork Boy by Valerie Schofield, professionally hand worked and shaded needlelace cloths, for £10. The value of the work should have been well over £100 and people would have paid it.
Could you run an article in The World of Embroidery on 'Self Value of Embroidery'?
Sandra Murray
Milpitas, California
...and...November 2000
I was part of a group that stewarded the EG cushions in Glasgow and Boy ! were they underpriced! Embroiderers seem to sell themselves short. Precise, time-consuming work (hardanger and canvas-work) and one-off original designs (dyeing and machine embroidery) all deserved more value for the time, skill and effort that went into them, over and above the cost of materials. Then again, the public like a bargain and maybe if the prices had been more realistic the cushions might not have been sold. - Who knows?
Joyce Watson
Dunblane, Perthshire