The Schwalm Museum, Schwalmstadt Germany

In the old town of Schwalmstadt in Germany, situated about 100 miles east of Maastricht and 50 miles north of Frankfurt, is the famous Schwalm Museum which last year celebrated its centenary.

The history of the famous Schwalm whitework goes back as far as medieval times when it was worked by girls in convents. The work is distinguished by composite pattern forms which are infilled in a number of drawn and pulled thread techniques - Hohlsäume. The patterns themselves are rich in symbolism which has been passed down from generation to generation. Forms include the tree of life, hearts, flowers - especially the tulip - cups, vases, birds, circles and star shapes. It is interesting that these forms are also seen in Fraktur work, particularly of the Pennsylvanian Dutch (Deutsch).

The museum has a number of interesting publications which you can buy from its shop - see above and below. For more information, click here.