June 9-15, 2012
Course: Needlework
Project: Fishing Lady Chimney Piece
Course Description:
Numerous needlework pieces have survived from 18th Century Boston; however, one special group, known as the “Fishing Lady pictures,” are exceptional and somewhat fascinating in design. Research by textile scholars has found over fifty related embroideries.
Possibly the products of a Boston boarding school, the series was named because of the appearance of a fishing lady motif in many of the embroideries. Several from the collection were designed as “chimney pieces,” meant to be hung as overmantles, and perhaps honoring the accomplished work of a young woman in her late teens. The scenes feature ladies and gentlemen in a variety of poses set against pastoral landscapes, usually with an indifference to scale and perspective but creating a delightful effect.
Referring to photographs from this elite group of embroideries, students will needlepoint a 1/12-scale version of a Fishing Lady chimney piece. Patterns will be created on graph paper and stitched on #58 silk gauze with silk threads. Class discussion will include the essentials for setting up the project and a process for spacing and balancing the figures of ladies and gentlemen. Partial patterns of the various figures will be available; however, students will place the figures and other elements of the design on the graph paper.
As an option, the completed work can be placed in a finely proportioned frame designed and created by Dick Hardy, Artisan. The design is inspired by the architectural purpose as an overmantel and follows the same design as found on several other Fishing Lady embroideries in the collections of major museums. The base of the frame has gracefully swelling contours to provide for candle sconces. The frame, with a gilded carved edged molding, is made of cherry wood and elm burl. The attached brass candle sconces are designed and created by Bill Robertson, Artisan, and are modeled after 18th Century Birmingham brass examples that were typically imported to the states as the colonies had yet to produce their own brass works. The arms have “C” shaped scrolls with delicate spurs ending in a candleholder with a drip tray. The arms will rotate in their decorative mounting brackets.
Time:
Power Tools: None.
Skill Level:Intermediate and advanced. Students should be experienced with basic needlepoint in 1/12-scale and feel comfortable working on #58 silk gauze.
Materials Fee: $25. There is an optional fee of $225 for the decorative frame with attached brass sconces. |
