Italian embroidery to be historical lecture topic Nov. 3
The Rehoboth Beach Museum will present a lecture on Italian Embroidery Treasures of the Renaissance at 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3.
The term embroidery generally refers to any textile foundation decorated with needle and thread. The technique has been used for centuries. Professional embroiderers’ organizations or guilds existed in Europe at least as early as the Middle Ages, and work of a professional quality was also done in convents, particularly in Italy and France. The church was one of the most important customers for high-quality embroidery, especially for clerical vestments embroidered in a variety of stitches in materials such as silk, metal threads and glass beads.
Lecturer Dolores Andrew, a nationally certified judge, is a member and master judge of the National Academy of Needlearts. She received the academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. The lecture topic is the subject of her master’s thesis for the Maryland Institute College of Art.
The lecture will coincide with the end of the annual needlework exhibit, which closes that day at 1 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to visit the exhibit well before the lecture. The museum is at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Reservations are required; to reserve a space, call 302-227-7310.
The lecture is free for members and needlework exhibit participants. A $5 donation is suggested for nonmembers.
After Sunday, Nov. 3, the museum will be closed Monday to Thursday. It will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
