English Medieval Embroidery
Opus Anglicanum
Glyn Davies editor Clare Browne editor M A Michael editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:24th Aug '21
Should be back in stock very soon
An introduction to the design, production and use of luxury embroideries in medieval England (c. 1200–1530)
In medieval Europe, embroidered textiles were indispensable symbols of wealth and power. Owing to their quality, complexity and magnificence, English embroideries enjoyed international demand and can be traced in Continental sources as opus anglicanum (English work). Essays by leading experts explore the embroideries’ artistic and social context, while catalogue entries examine individual masterpieces. Medieval embroiderers lived in a tightly knit community in London, and many were women who can be identified by name. Comparisons between their work and contemporary painting challenge modern assumptions about the hierarchy of artistic media. Contributors consider an outstanding range of examples, highlighting their craftsmanship and exploring the world in which they were created.
Published in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum
"Superb, razor-sharp reproductions which give a proper sense of the beauty and power of the medium… its intellectual value is undoubted."—Paul Binski, Art Newspaper
“There are over 160 full colour illustrations found herein and a wealth of historical information offered in the essays that accompany each chapter. If you are interested in Opus Anglicanum or the inheritance of medieval English Catholic culture, this is a work you will want to pick up for your collection.”—Shawn Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
"Not only a catalogue and scholarly monograph, but a visual feast, with magnificent colour plates on virtually every page, bursting at the seams with titbits of fascinating information. It’s the sort of book that makes you want to hug yourself with glee: revelatory and as exquisitely produced as the medieval embroidery it celebrates."—Juliet Barker, Literary Review
‘This beautifully produced new book […] fills a notable gap in current literature on English embroidery.’ — Frances Pritchard, Textile History
“First published to accompany the V&A’s exhibition of English Medieval embroidery in 2016, this new edition confirms its status a valuable reference on the subject.”—Embroidery
ISBN: 9780300259988
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
324 pages