In the textile area of the V & A, rows and rows of framed textiles, dating back to the 13th century and before, are housed in banks of shelves. They're made to take out and study, and desks run alongside the shelves, so that they can be removed and sketched. Here you can see Joan pulling out one of the samples. The remaining photos are some of the textiles I photographed, being careful to get the information as well as the inspiration, as seen on the last sample. I could have spent a week there. Sadly, we were told that on March 1st of this year, this department is being closed, and will be moved to another venue. It will be 2 to 3 years before it will be open to the public once more. So we count ourselves very fortunate indeed that we were able to spend time there again this year. You might just see a version of that tree of life in my own work before too long!
What a treat that you got to enjoy the textiles now, then Pippa! I'll have to keep track of where they end up so one day I can visit.
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