Textiles and Tea, the Broderers of St Paul's

Yesterday's Textiles and Tea was about tapestry, the fine art of the world of weaving. Presenting was

Great tapestry weaver and a member of the Wednesday Group, about a dozen world class weavers and other artists who met regularly to work, led by Archie Brennan.

He's one of the best tapestry weavers there's ever been, came to it via apprenticeship in Scotland, always as an art. He was a painter in thread.

Brenda collaborated with him on his autobiography, so as to preserve his teaching methods and words, and had to finish and edit it after his death.

And here's the Wednesday Group, Archie on the left, and I think the woman next to him, back row, is Susan Maffei, his late in life long-term partner and collaborator in tapestry and teaching.

On Brenda's own work, she's currently trying to get away from realistic representation, after studying Archie's work and years of exposure to more abstract woven art.

 Here, right, is  her other interest, kumihimo, Japanese braiding 

These are placemats woven from linen paper fiber and denim thread.

She lives often on a boat, and discussed the limitations of working in a rocking studio or on deck in a wind, and planning her supplies ahead of time, with great cooperation from her husband. 

But she does have dry land locations, too and exhibits with other weavers. She's off soon for a textile trip to Japan, hoping for more kumihimo in the cradle of the art form.

Interesting person, and so lucky to have known Archie Brennan closely. He's the mentor and inspiration for a whole generation of tapestry weavers, often credited with bringing tapestry into the modern art world.

Then I came across this group yesterday, courtesy of the blog Spitalfields Life.

They're the Broderers (embroiderers) of St Paul's Cathedral, working on creating and restoring church and other ceremonial robes. 

You'll see one practicing one of my great interests, gold work. They mention how hard it is to get thread of actual gold. 

Well, I know someone with a little stash of it, a gift from her gold work teacher, currently stored with her beads and other decorative materials.

Back to St Paul's

Their workroom is high up in the building, just under the bells. Quite a taxing climb up to work.

Happy day everyone, enjoy your making, whatever form it takes.