Embroidery: the Legacy of Needlearts

"Embroidery is a love affair between hand and thread," states Francois Lesage of the House of Lesage Embroidery School in Paris. The age-old teaching of embroidery skills, passed from generation to generation, has by and large ended in the twentieth century. However, there are still millions of embroiderer-hobbyists in this country and many others who appreciate the skilled work that went into antique embroideries. This video documents a diverse collection of antique embroidered specimens, the oldest being a 1,200-year-old Chinese work. Famous pieces include the Bayeux Tapestry (circa 1076) which chronicles William I's conquest of Great Britain and a collection of goldwork bees from the house that created Napoleon's coronation robe. Due to the massive topic and the relatively short time frame of this tape, notable embroidery traditions of Mexico, the Caucasus, the Sioux nation, Central Africa, and India are given only hasty attention, with longer looks at works from China and Japan. Still, with its excellent artifact selection, superior close-ups, subtle on-screen museum credits, plus the skillful use of paintings, antique books, photos, film footage and lovely period music, this feast for the eyes is a must-buy for art and/or craft collections. Aud: C, P. (R. Reagan)