We are accustomed now to consider needlework a chaste activity - and more, we are accustomed to believe that earlier generations considered needlework a guarded activity for young girls to keep them 'neat and tidy' - a euphemism still used in the UK for virginity. It might surprise us then to learn that the Dutch for stitching which is naaien has another, more carnal, meaning which I blush to write here, but which is linked to prostitution. While working on the Judith Hayle Samplers book with Edwina Ehrman, we included an image by Metsu, showing a young woman at her stitching pillow - to show the link between stitching pillow and the cartouche which is familiar to us as used on the Judith Hayle school of samplers. On the surface it can be interpreted as a quiet domestic interior, and yet I was perturbed by its incongruities, by what appear to be quite direct significations. What of the single, discarded, empty slipper which seems to invite a foot to fill it? The thimble lying on the floor? What of the maid holding a bucket with a lid which is arrowed so conspicuously to show it must be kept upright, and yet is being held carelessly at a tilt - perhaps risking loss of its precious content, as anticipated by the dog? And why is the maid lingering and making bold by uncovering the painting while her mistress reads the contents of the envelope she is holding (which bears the artist's name:Metsu)? Are we being asked to admire a chaste young woman whose husband is perhaps absent at sea, then, or a prostitute?
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Stitching - the Oldest Profession?
We are accustomed now to consider needlework a chaste activity - and more, we are accustomed to believe that earlier generations considered needlework a guarded activity for young girls to keep them 'neat and tidy' - a euphemism still used in the UK for virginity. It might surprise us then to learn that the Dutch for stitching which is naaien has another, more carnal, meaning which I blush to write here, but which is linked to prostitution. While working on the Judith Hayle Samplers book with Edwina Ehrman, we included an image by Metsu, showing a young woman at her stitching pillow - to show the link between stitching pillow and the cartouche which is familiar to us as used on the Judith Hayle school of samplers. On the surface it can be interpreted as a quiet domestic interior, and yet I was perturbed by its incongruities, by what appear to be quite direct significations. What of the single, discarded, empty slipper which seems to invite a foot to fill it? The thimble lying on the floor? What of the maid holding a bucket with a lid which is arrowed so conspicuously to show it must be kept upright, and yet is being held carelessly at a tilt - perhaps risking loss of its precious content, as anticipated by the dog? And why is the maid lingering and making bold by uncovering the painting while her mistress reads the contents of the envelope she is holding (which bears the artist's name:Metsu)? Are we being asked to admire a chaste young woman whose husband is perhaps absent at sea, then, or a prostitute?
Friday, 17 July 2009
The Mary Wigham Story
This is where it all started. Mary's grandfather, Cuthbert Wigham, converted to Quakerism and gave land for this Friend's Meeting House in Coanwood (once Cornwood) in Northumberland. His daughter-in-law, Hannah Wigham, was the much loved Principal Mistress of Ackworth School who made gingerbread for the scholars. And your Mary Wigham was Hannah Wigham's daughter.So many of you have asked to hear more about Mary Wigham and now I am really pleased to give you a four page, comprehensive and compelling history of Mary Wigham and her family by Donna Dzierlenga, an independent scholar who is member of Live Oaks Friends Meeting in Houston, Texas. This history is available to you, to your guild members and customers as a free download. You can either click the image on this post, or on the side-bar to your right to obtain the download. Please may I ask you to consider a kind donation of $1 if you enjoy this article. Your donation will mean we can support researchers in these difficult times, keep the stories alive, and present you with more histories to enjoy. I am so excited for you to read this, I hope you love it!
How many lovely Mary Wighams there are now
Today we can admire Annie's work from the Netherlands. It is so very helpful that you are sharing your work in progress then others, who may not be so far advanced in their stitching as you, can see how their work is going to look when they are a little further on. It looks to me as though Annie is using the standard thread palette, but I know she will correct me if I am wrong. Just look at her other lovely stitchery, too. What a wonderful society of stitchers you are - it is my privilege to be one of your companions.
Roof intact and still here!
We are very grateful that after last night's storm we now have our power restored, the roof is still on and the house wasn't washed down the hill. The white deer in the park opposite appear somewhat subdued, but the little ones seem none the worse for the night time son et lumiere spectacle. Now where was I......
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