Embroidery as an art form

JO CLARKE EXPLAINS HOW CRAFT WORK FROM ACROSS EUROPE CAME TO THE CITY

- JO CLARKE

MEMBERS of The Box's collections team are currently carrying out research into some interesting items in our costume and textile collection.

They came across this cushion during the process. At first glance, it has a festive Nordic feel to it, with its blue and white stitching, but it actually comes from Hungary.

Foreign nuns and noblewomen are often credited with introducing Western embroidery stitches to Hungary. Local artisans added their own stitches and designs to create a distinct look that incorporated influences from Byzantine, Gothic, Turkish and Italian styles.