In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Dr Susan Kay-Williams.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams was the Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework from 2007 to 2024 and is a recognised expert on the history of colour and textile art.

In this first part of our NeedleXChange we cover the history of colour in textiles, as well as how tapestries evolved from a utility product to an art statement, and all manner of topics in between. Susan's perspective on the topic is unique and I really enjoyed nerding out about how the textile colours we casually use came to be. It's a great insight into something that we take for granted.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:35 - The History of Colour in Textiles

00:11:43 - Human Experimentation and the Desire to Understand

00:17:58 - The Development of Synthetic Dyes

00:28:55 - Tapestries: From Draught Excluders to Art

00:38:55 - Metal Threads in Embroidery

00:43:54 - The Bayeux Tapestry: Techniques and Significance

Links:

Website: Royal School of Needlework

Instagram: royalneedlework

Intro music is This Was Fun by Gavin Luke via Epidemic Sound.

About NeedleXChange:

NeedleXChange is a conversation podcast with embroidery and textile artists, exploring their process and practice.

Hosted by Jamie "Mr X Stitch" Chalmers, it is an in-depth showcase of the best needlework artists on the planet.

Visit the NeedleXChange website: https://www.needl.exchange/

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If you want embroidery inspiration and regular doses of textile art, visit the Mr X Stitch site here: https://www.mrxstitch.com

If you're looking for modern cross stitch designs, then XStitch is the magazine you need!

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