Arts & Ideas
Unravelling plainness
Mar 29, 2024
Textile historian Isabella Rosner discusses the unexpected opulence in seventeenth-century Quaker girls' embroidery, challenging stereotypes and revealing the complexities of their identities through intricate needlework and elaborate shadow boxes.
14:53
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Quick takeaways
- Quaker girls defied plainness through opulent embroidery showcasing vibrant designs and luxurious materials.
- Elaborate Quaker creations challenge stereotypes, revealing a rich artistic tradition diverging from perceived austerity.
Deep dives
The Opulent Embroidery of Quaker Women in 17th Century London
Quaker girls like Elizabeth Hall defied the perception of plainness associated with Quakers through their lavish embroidery. Elizabeth's intricate needlework showcased strawberries, gold sequins, and colorful threads on nutmegs, a luxurious commodity converted into a display of her exceptional needlework skills. Contrary to the conservative Quaker image, Elizabeth's opulent embroidery, alongside the works of other Quaker girls, revealed vibrant and elaborate designs that contradicted the expected simplicity.
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