Metal Thread Embroidery: Tools, Materials and Techniques

Metal thread embroidery (or gold work) is an exciting and challenging technqiue. From prehistoric origins in the East, the skills travelled slowly west, reaching a peak in England with the great medieval period of embroidery, when the highly regarded "English work" or Opus Anglicanum was in demand all over Europe. Today metal thread is still used for ecclesiastical and ceremonial items and embroiderers also use the threads in more experimental ways. This volume draws together in dictionary form a wide range of information on metal thread embroidery. Within the alphabetical arrangement, the text is broken down into five main sections. The author first assembles together articles on which metal thread can be found, such as domestic items, ecclesiastical textiles, secular garments and military and heraldic articles. A section is then devoted to tools, giving full details of specialist requirements for metal thread embroidery. Materials are covered, and techniques are explained with the help of close-up photographs and clear diagrams. The author also provides a list of places where metal thread embroidery can be seen. The illustrations are of both historical and contemporary work. The book is aimed at both experienced embroiderers and those who are new to the technique. Jane Lemon is also the author of "Embroidered Boxes".

Jane Lemon worked in theatre, and then for eight years as a costume designer for television. She is a member of the Practical Study Group of the Embroiderers' Guild, an experienced teacher and lecturer on embroidery and a founder member of the Sarum Group, formed in 1978 to design and work ecclesiastical embroidery. Their work for Salisbury Cathedral is particularly well known.