UK: Stitching a Cultural Identity Study Abroad Program for Summer 2016
Over the last couple years, I have been developing a study abroad program for NC State with the Royal School of Needlework. It will include two courses: a course on traditional embroidery taught by RSN tutors and a course addressing the history of stitching taught by me. Below is lots of more information about the program.
Program Introduction:
Embroidery
has served as an important aspect of British history since the early Roman
times. Secluded from the rest of
mainland Europe, it saw embroidery flourish to new technical and artistic
heights in the early Middle Ages producing some of the most prized pieces of
ecclesiastical embroidery of the time known today as Opus Anglicanum. Through the years as the United Kingdom
established itself as a global power, British embroidery reflected the
different global influences. In
modern history, it was British women that revitalized embroidery as an artistic
medium. Embroiderers such as Alice Kettle and Audrey Walker have
been exhibited next to contemporary painters and sculptors in recent exhibitions.
The
Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is an internationally respected authority on
traditional hand embroidery. It
strives to preserve the heritage of precise and artistic stitching through
teaching embroidery technique and through the many varied projects it
undertakes in their working studio.
Housed at Hampton Court Palace just south of London, the RSN offers day,
certificate, and undergraduate courses teaching the art and cultural
significance of hand embroidery.
Their working studio on the ground floor of Hampton Court Palace
restores and creates pieces for numerous Cathedrals, fashion houses, stately
homes, and the royal family. They
were responsible for the embroidery on the coronation robes of HM Elizabeth II
and the late Queen Mother. In
recent years, they gained much acclaim for their extensive embroidery on the
wedding dress, veil and shoes of HRH the Duchess of Cambridge.
Course Descriptions:
ADN372: Traditional Embroidery taught by Royal School of Needlework tutors at Hampton Court Palace
Students will be doing two modules (2.5 weeks each). The modules will be Crewelwork and Goldwork. They will develop samples experimenting with the technique and a final motif. Each module is divided into 4 tutor days + 1 work day (with me there for help!). The costs of each kit and scroll frame is built into the program cost.
ADN492: History of Stitch in the British Isles
This course will introduce students to the history and development of stitching on the British Isles from the 9th Century AD to today. It will blend cultural, historic and socio-economic factors affecting the development and importance of stitching with the design and technical characteristics of the techniques. This course will be taught through a series of visits to museums, exhibitions and collections to see actual pieces from the time periods being studied.
The kink: I need 12 students for this program to run, so.....If you know any university students (they do not have to be from NC State) that may be interested, here is the link to the program and application page through our Study Abroad office. Applications open TODAY!:
More Information about the Royal School of Needlework:
RSN website: http://www.royal-needlework.org.uk/
Playlist of Videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEM-X5dJ9Lo-Prqe7OGfk6jGQScgj_vI0
Want to Know More About This Program?:
Come join us for the Common Thread Symposium (more on that later today too) in November where Susan Kay-Williams (the Chief Executive of the RSN) will be presenting a lecture on her research on the history of dyes and help me launch this program to our students. She and I will be talking more about the history of the RSN and the program details for this study abroad opportunity!
I wish I was still a University student.
ReplyDeleteMe too and I'm in Raleigh.
ReplyDelete