CANVASWORK, BOX
Florentine canvas work with origins in the 15th century was a popular hand embroidery technique in the 1970s, the early days of the WA Embroiderers’ Guild. This box top was embroidered by donor’s mother, Joy Holman, a founding member of the Guild who was a Guild tutor and Life Member.
A beautifully made jarrah box, has a Florentine design embroidery in shades of green is inlaid to the box top. Repeating patterns are built up on canvas with a counted flat vertical stitch, Gobelin stitch, in shades of one or two colours, totally covering the canvas fabric. Box is lined with silk fabric
In the 15th C, Florence became the cultural centre of the world. During the Renaissance, besides the creation of beautiful paintings and sculpture, there was a great interest in beautiful decoration and elegant fabrics. The art of embroidery, formerly applied chiefly to religious vestments and ecclesiastical linen, now burst forth into greater and more diversified use around the home. Italian craftsmen, developed excellent dying methods and produced colourful silk and wool in hues which harmonized with paintings and colours of the Renaissance. By the 16th century Florentine and other canvas patterns embroidered wall hangings to lessen the draughty rooms, in upholstery to soften seats of hard furniture, make cushions and personal accessories.
