The Emma Dent Embroidery Collection at Sudeley Castle, Cotswolds

My good friend Bertie of the captivating Samplers and Buttons blog was waxing most enthusiastic to me yesterday about her recent, wonderful visit to Sudeley Castle in the lovely Cotswolds. Situated near Winchcombe (a delightful town just a few miles north east of graceful Georgian Cheltenham), Sudeley Castle is well known for being home to Queen Katherine Parr, fond step-mother to Queen Elizabeth I. It is surprisingly unknown as yet for its wonderful collection of textiles. Nearly 100 years ago Sudeley Castle was rescued from its ruined state and restored by the Dents and the Brocklehursts, two leading textile firms at the time of the Industrial Revolution. To celebrate the restoration a new and extensive exhibition of embroidery and textiles was launched in 2007, built round the Emma Dent Embroidery Collection, one of the finest collections in the country. On display are examples of textile techniques spanning 400 years from a magnificent 17th century Stumpwork casket (with no less than 7 secret drawers), delicate lace, Whitework, costume and furnishings to sumptuous silk wall hangings and woven tapestry. Do visit if you can! For more details click here. For a free information PDF download just click here.