With our little cottage is starting to feel more like home, we decided that the time had come to plan a day trip to get to see a little more of this part of England, especially with my course commencing in less than two weeks. The RSN had advised that some of their collection pieces were on display at Exeter Cathedral – alongside a display of some of the Cathedrals own vestments – so a day trip by train to Exeter was planned.
Exeter Cathedral is a stunningly beautiful building, commenced in medieval times, added to over centuries, with some elements repaired after bombing in WW2. There was an Organ recital underway as we made our way around the embroidery exhibition and the sounds were heavenly.
Ecclesiastical Embroideries
The RSN pieces on display had been chosen with an Ecclesiastical theme – with many samplers of church related motifs, a few stoles, and some beautiful silkshading and goldwork on banners and alter frontals. It was wonderful to be able to see the fine detail in many of these pieces, which were displayed throughout the cathedral.
Exhibition Highlight
For me the real highlight of the exhibition was seeing six of the Litany of Loreto Embroideries. These pieces are very finely worked gold and silk framed embroideries, and seeing them in person surpassed anything I had read about them. I was able to closely observe the stitching and the work on most of the pieces. Photos of embroideries – particularly of Goldwork – simply do not give you a true representation of the beauty of the glistening gold and shining silk, however I thought I might share a few of my photos with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
