STUDY SERIES | PRETTY WILD | EXQUISITE CREATURES | Raised threads and mythical beasts with Alison Cole

For centuries, the making of embroidered samplers was part of a young girl’s education – covering not only needlework but also religion, morals and sometimes politics. Seventeenth century stumpwork embroidered mirrors, pictures, caskets and boxes featured a large array of both real and fantastic creatures.

In this illustrated presentation, Alison Cole will look at the history of stumpwork, the stories behind the embroideries, the women that embroidered them and the common elements within the designs.

ALISON COLE has been embroidering for over 30 years, but has always been around embroidery from a very young age. She is the author of four books (All That Glitters, The Midas Touch, The Stumpwork Masterclass and The Embroiderer’s Little Book of Hints and Tips) and has also been the recipient of The Embroiderers Guild (Victoria) Branch Scholarship along with the prestigious Ethel Oates Scholarship, of which she used part to research the history of metal thread embroidery.

Over the years, Alison has won many awards and prizes for her needlework. She has researched and taught in many countries to the stage where she is a true expert in her field. Cole has previously spoken at The Johnston Collection on WRAPPED IN SILK & GOLD: A History of Stumpwork in 2010.

The PRETTY WILD Study Series will reflect on the themes explored in ANIMAL KINGDOM (13 June 2017 -19 September 2017) exhibition-house tour. We know that all the speakers offer wonderful insights through their individual knowledge whilst exploring the artistic, social, and cultural worlds where a menagerie of art, fashion, interiors and design and animals meet.

image: Alison Cole, Gryphon, Melbourne, 2010, Stumpwork, image supplied and used with permission