Art: The Portland Collection Inspires Ornamental Embroidery Workshops

 

An early 17th century embroidered book binding belonging to Lady Brilliana Harley will be the focal point of the Ornamental Embroidery workshop at The Harley Gallery on the Welbeck estate near Worksop in September.

Lady Harley (1598-1643), an ancestor of the Dukes of Portland, was an accomplished needlewoman as well as a celebrated writer. Her tiny, beautifully embroidered book of meditations is the inspiration for this two-day workshop with Ornamental Embroidery, who specialise in teaching and designing historic hand embroidery at UK museums and art galleries. The book is part of The Portland Collection, Welbeck’s historic art collection which was assembled over 400 years by the Dukes of Portland and their families.

The workshop will run at The Harley Gallery over 2nd and 3rd September and is priced at £195. The workshop will begin with a guided tour of The Portland Collection and a special viewing of Lady Brilliana Harley’s book. Students will then work on an embroidered sampler suitable for a picture panel or needle-case. Like Lady Harley’s book cover, they will use a variety of surface stitches in silks and metal threads on a silk satin ground. With only 14 places available booking is essential; call 01909 501 700.

 

Founder of Ornamental Embroidery, Dr Lynn Hulse, said: “We’re delighted to return to Welbeck. The Portland Collection has some incredible treasures including this beautiful embroidered book. Students of any experience are invited to join us and will leave the workshop with their very own embroidered sampler.”

For more information on the Ornamental Embroidery workshop and The Harley Gallery visit: www.harleygallery.co.uk.