Print |
E-mail to a friend
LIFE
Jean McClelland: Elaborate needlework a treasured -- and costly -- collectible
Those who love needlework and fine embroidery will appreciate Berlin Work. It is called Berlin Work because of its popular beginnings in Berlin, Germany. This early 19th-century handiwork is a form of embroidery that stitched fine tapestry wool onto canvas. The variety and richness of the wool colors used is indicative of it. Stitches most often found on the canvas' included cross, tent and Bargello.
One of the factors that made this type of stitchery so well-liked was the convenient, straightforward patterns and designs that evolved. A second factor that added to the popularity was the wool that the Germans had perfected. The wool was softer, stronger and more durable than what had previously been available. Because the Berlin Work was so durable, much of it found its way onto chairseats, pillows, kneelers, bags and cushions.
Fine needlework had long been associated with the rich aristocracy. As much as the commoner may have wanted to participate, the cost was usually prohibitive. The Germans changed that with their Berlins Works when they economically packaged the pattern, the design and the wool together.
A strong educated middle class had developed during the 19th century, and this was right up its alley. It is no wonder that Berlin Work became the rage of the needlecraft world in the mid-1800s.
Along with the budding Industrial Revolution was the Victorian Era where everything was lush, abundant and elaborate. Thus the patterns the English and the Americans embraced included quotations, wreathes, flowers, ribbons, animals and landscapes. The many colors and shades of wool available allowed the stitcher to create these designs as complicated, three-dimensional features. By the 1850s, the popularity of the Victorian designs were beginning to fade and the more restrained Arts and Crafts designs began to dominate the field.
Fine needlework is always costly, and good Berlin Work is no exception. Pricing seems to range into the $1,000 territory for those pieces located on the Internet. It is little wonder when one considers the amount of time and energy it would have taken to create a piece.
If you don't want to invest in a vintage canvas, there is a way to make your own. Kits similar to what the Germans sold a century ago are still available as are books on the subject for further instruction.
Jean McClelland writes about antiques for The Herald-Dispatch.
Harry Connick Jr. 
Erik Meyers 
MU Theater: "The Glass Menagerie" 
Capital City Art and Craft Show 
Festival of Trees and Trains 
4th annual Holly Berry Festival 
Ashland Christmas Parade 
World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions 
51st annual Model Railroad Show 
Planetarium Show: "Reason for the Season" 
