British Samplers
Jones, Mary Eirwen
BT Batsford Ltd., London, 1948, 1988
ISBN# 0 7134 5634 5
Overview of the history and development of samplers. There is a brief section on early samplers and references to Tudor literature. Pictures of a possible pre-1600 whitework sampler is shown. SB
Intermediate

British Embroidery: Curious Works from the Seventeenth Century
Epstein, Kathleen
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation/Curious Works Press, Williamsburg, VA/Austin, Texas, 1998
ISBN# 0-87935-186-1/ 0-9633331-94
More than a catalogue from the exhibit, this book explores the whys and development of needlework from the late 1500s through its development in the 1600s. Facinating to read as well as excellent pictures. SB
Intermediate

Art of the Embroiderer
Germain de Saint-Aubin, Charles
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, 1983
ISBN# 0-87587-110-0
Germain wrote this treatise in 1770 France where he was the royal needlework designer. While not directly relevant to our time frame, the techniques, materials, and dictionary of terms is not much changed from the 16th Century. SB
Intermediate

Art of Embroidery: History of Style and Technique
Synge, Lanto
The Royal School of Needlework-Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge, UK, 2001
ISBN# 1-85149-359-X
The book sets out the political and social context in which the textiles were created. Synge also carefully identifies the works of the professional workshops versus individuals. Wonderful pictures illustrate the informative text and there are 2 nice long chapters on medieval and renaissance embroidery. SB
Intermediate

Art of Embroidery: Great Needlework Collections of Britain and the United States
Gostelow, Mary
EP Dutton, New York, 1979
ISBN# 0-525-93064-7
A survey of collections in Manor Houses, Cathedrals and Living History Centers, most of which is post 1600. Some of the early 17th C pieces are fun to see including a lot of canvaswork. SB
Intermediate

Apropos Patterns for Embroidery, Lace and Woven Textiles
Abegg, Margeret
Shriften der Abegg-Steftung, Bern, Switzerland, 1978
ISBN# 3-905014-13-0 or 3-7272-9005-6
Yes, it’s been reprinted and you too can own your very own copy. Hands down, this has to be the best book on comparing actual embroideries/lacework or that taken from period paintings with the patterns taken from period printed pattern books. From drawn work to lacework, the examples are astounding and mostly of 14th-17th century needlework. AG
Intermediate

Antique Needlework
Synge, Lanto
Blandford Books Ltd., Dorset, UK, 1982
ISBN# 0-7137-1007-1
Wonderful overview of needlework through the centuries. Clearly identifies the role of needlework and needleworkers in the social structure. Good pictures of typical examples in each major category. Out of print but worth acquiring through interlibrary loan to gain a working knowledge. SB
Intermediate