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BRITISH EMBROIDERY: Curious Works from the Seventeenth Century by Kathleen Epstein A Wallace Gallery Decorative Arts publication from Colonial Williamsburg, this is a catalog of the 17th century needleworks in their collection, with loaned objects, shown in a special exhibition from December 5, 1998 to September 5, 1999. It is well illustrated, with a discussion of the raised work, canvaswork, beaded work, silkworked and stumpwork pictures pictured, as well as band samplers, caskets, domestic embroideries and clothing from this period. Softbound, 109 pages, $29.95
YOUTH IS THE TIME FOR PROGRESS: The Importance Of American Schoolgirl Art 1780-1860 by Olive Blair Graffam A new publication from the DAR Museum, this book catalogs an exhibition on schoolgirl art as it developed in America. The term refers to samplers, silk embroideries, needlework pictures, paintings, maps, and other forms of ornamental art made at school or at home under the instruction of a teacher. Superbly illustrated in color, with selected bibliography, 75 pages, softbound, $30.00
THE EMBROIDERIES AT HARDWICK HALL: A catalogue by Santina M. Levey The collection of late 16th century embroidery, needlework and wrought linen at the National Trust's Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire is a remarkable survival. Largely commissioned by the redoubtable Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury- otherwise known as "Bess of Hardwick"- the pieces range from small panels of needlework and linen sewn with gold and colored silks to a dramatic set of huge wall hangings depicting "Heroic Women of the Ancient World." Most of the pieces were made within her household and have subsequently remained in the charge of the Dukes of Devonshire for over 400 years. Despite the relative remoteness of her Derbyshire home, Bess of Hardwick moved in the highest echelons of society and was on friendly terms with Queen Elizabeth I. She was an intelligent and discerning woman, aware of contemporary interests and with a keen eye for quality. This is reflected in the superb textiles with which she furnished her house at Chatsworth and the two halls at Hardwick. The surviving embroidery collection numbers over 200 individual items, including many of outstanding workmanship. This comprehensive catalogue has an introductory section, which provides essential background information and compares the surviving pieces at Hardwick with the furnishings of Bess of Hardwick's contemporaries. The catalogue itself is divided by technique and, within each section, by type of object. Santina Levey looks at each piece in turn, explaining how it was made and by which type of embroiderer. Many of the items are well documented, and Levey throws new light on the ways in which they were displayed and even re-used at different times. She also provides fascinating new material on design sources. Illustrated in full color, this enables close examination of materials and techniques. Many of the pieces have not been described or illustrated before. This book will be a collector's item. Hardbound, 400 pages, $130.00