A stitch in time saves…
One of the greatest pleasures of our work is having the opportunity to discover hidden histories and connections in frontals and vestments that have previously been repaired or altered, perhaps several times and appreciating the skill and workmanship of generations of embroiderers and makers.
Some of those techniques we still use today. Embroidery, in particular, can successfully be cleaned, repaired and remounted onto new fabric continuing links from a church’s past into its future.
We are presently repairing an exquisitely beautiful white cope, chasuble and stole set for ‘Our Lady of Walsingham’ Shrine. A label hidden inside the chasuble tells us that the set was completed by Edith Clint in 1927, given to Father Hope Patten, parish priest of Our Lady of Walsingham, and remounted onto new fabric in 1963 by ‘All Saints Sisters of the Poor’. Modern braids and cords are evidence of later repairs and we too are now contributing to its history in our careful approach and sensitive use of materials and techniques.
The author...
Helen Jenkins
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