How do I hang a framed textile?

Hang these pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent the natural dyes in wool and silk from fading over time. Use sturdy picture hooks appropriate for the weight of the timber frame and glass. Keep them clear of damp exterior walls and heat sources to protect the historic fibres from contracting or degrading in changing indoor climates.

How are antique samplers dated?

Makers frequently stitched dates, names and initials directly into the canvas as part of the composition, providing a clear marker of origin. Stylistic clues in the lettering, motifs and framing also assist in placing pieces within the seventeenth, eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. Comparing the stitch types and linen grounds to documented examples helps confirm the period of manufacture when explicit dates are absent.

What is the difference between embroidery and tapestry?

Embroidery involves stitching decorative thread onto an already woven fabric ground using a needle. This category includes samplers, crewelwork and silk pictures. Tapestry is woven on a loom where the design forms part of the textile structure itself as the warp and weft threads interlace.