The Stitch Safari Podcast

 Moving forward to World War II - The Bayeux Tapestry was now a survivor for almost 880 years, so what exactly was it about this monumental embroidery that attracted those looking to walk in the self-same footsteps as William the Conqueror?  They wanted what William achieved.  A defeat over England certainly, but even more than that, they wanted to use William’s powerful and emotive story, carefully embroidered into the Tapestry as propaganda to promote their own ends.

This episode explores the three French plays inspired by The Bayeux Tapestry along with its return to Bayeux, where it was easily accessible for a time by the public at large.  And we also look at the work done by Charles Stothard in capturing the Tapestry to help prove its English heritage.

The longevity of the Bayeux Tapestry displays the footprint of its past, both artistically and historically, and most importantly, as an embroidery telling a visual story anyone can relate to.  It's unique and unlike any other surviving artefact from this period.  Its survival is one of almost implausible endurance.    

In this episode, we'll be taking a quick look at the types of stitches used throughout this time as well as to re-cap on just how far we’ve come in this fascinating journey into stitch and the art of the needle. 

 Looking at, and researching surviving work produced during the Middle Ages, has made me want to explore the tools Medieval embroiderers used.  Would they recognise any of ours?  Would I recognise any of theirs?  Quite a few, surprisingly, so let’s explore just what they had secreted away in their Medieval sewing baskets.  

Medieval Guilds were formed to promote and protect the art of embroidery, a major trade in the Middle Ages.

In today’s episode I’m looking through some fascinating information on Medieval embroidery worked in nunneries and monasteries, the providers of an honourable profession for highly born women along with those with a true passion and calling for the religious life.  

Today the connection I want to explore, deals with the art of a stitched or woven narrative in Medieval textiles – a world in images, to see if I can justify design parallels and influences going back as far as I can.

There are so many ways to approach Colour – it’s something I love working with and I’ve researched a great deal, but I have to say, looking at it from a Medieval perspective is very different and absolutely fascinating.  

Embroidery is and will always be a reflection and mirroring of cultures, fashions and styles.  Just look to the many excavated finds throughout the world, and you’ll see some of the most beautiful and mesmerising treasures from this time.  It’s no coincidence then, that there’s a similarity of styles and symbols, re-interpreted throughout medieval design and needlecraft.  Design is an influencer.  Covering the first four of eight styles used in Medieval design: Romanesque, Viking, Byzantine and Gothic.