In Nicola's Facebook newsfeed today was a memory from two years ago when a group she belongs to visited the Clothmakers Association in London to view samplers in the V & A's extensive collection.
If you are visiting London it is well worth planning ahead and contacting the Clothmakers Association to book an appointment to have a private viewing or to join the group tour. HERE is a link explaining how to do so.
The Clothworkers' Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion is located at Blythe House, at Olympia in West London. You are able to enjoy textiles and fashion first hand with support from staff who are able to answer any questions. We were provided with lit magnifiers to study the stitches in the samplers.
Here are members of our group studying the reverse of Elizabeth Short.
The reverse is stitched in a different technique to the front of the sampler.
Elizabeth Short was donated to the V & A by Mrs Q. A. Toogood, in memory of C. R. Abbott, OBE. The sampler has been reproduced by THE SCARLET LETTER.
The V & A have made a short VIDEO about The Clothmakers which is well worth a quick watch.
If you are unable to visit London you are still able to enjoy the V & A's collection ONLINE