THREADS OF TIME
THE TEXTILE TREASURES OF SUDELEY

Floral Inspirations in Textiles

Nearly 170 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. The Dents reputation continues to this day as makers of fine gloves and the Brocklehursts ran a successful silk milling business in Macclesfield.

Textiles have continued to feature strongly in the life of the Castle - Emma Dent, the Victorian Chatelaine of Sudeley, built a fine collection of lace and textiles from around the world. In early 2007 Lady Ashcombe re-discovered a number of items that had been stored away and forgotten about for over 30 years. The Castle launched Threads of Time – the Textile Treasures of Sudeley, an exhibition featuring a richly diverse sample of our textile heritage and already described as one of the finest collections in the country.

The exhibition is themed around Floral Inspirations and will include artistic and literary interpretations of the flora featured within the textiles. 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.

Demonstrations for 2009

Sudeley will be featuring demonstrations from textile groups and artists throughout the year

27th July - 2nd August 2009:
The Lace Society
10.30am – 4.00pm Daily
We are delighted to welcome back the Lace Society who has several members local to the Castle. Cotswold Lacemakers, Pillow Talk, and Vale Lacemakers will be exhibiting and demonstrating lace and lacemaking for two weeks during the exhibition.

Visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to try lacemaking for themselves on the “have-a-go pillow” where they can learn the basic stitches in just a few minutes.

Find out more about the Lace Society at: www.thelacesociety.org.uk

Sudeley encourages visits from those studying historical textiles, restoration and traditional techniques – please call for details of opportunities for group visits on 01242 602308.