Stapeler Schloss entrance gate and bridge
August 27, 2009
Hi everyone! I am now writing from a castle of a baron somewhere in Westfalen, Germany, where the workshop of this antique textile restorator is a few meters away.
Read more about the Castle in Wikipedia. My friend, Angelika was also mentioned in the article, because she made a film about the present Baron who owns the castle and the lands around it. Please use Google translations since it is only in German.
I had a wonderful visit at the atelier and very enlightening chat with the restorator about what I want to do and some tips about how to go with my plans.
Restoration is a really serious job, collectors pay a lot for the restoration of their textiles. One of their most important work is a 2000 year old carpet from the owner of Hyatt hotels.
Behind this Farmhouse facade is Sabine´s Atelier and million dollars textiles
I already knew beforehand that I would have to dye the finest silk threads myself to match the antique colors.
And because I know that I am color-blind, I am not fit to work in the atelier. Nevertheless, I still want to see how restoration is done. The restorators were so friendly and they showed me and my friend what happens in the several cases they are working on. My friend is an artist who lives in the castle. She told the restorator about me and my passion for needlework and invited me to stay at the baron´s castle for a couple of nights, during my visit to the atelier.
Angelika on the terrace, near our rooms where we stayed
The workshop does not only restore antique textile. They also catalog museum articles and reproduction.
During my visit, there was a set of Biedermeier chairs, each fully embroidered with a different needlepoint design. It is yet to be decided whether the owner wants to have them restored or reproduced. If they are to be reproduced, I would have to take over the stitching job. The atelier will produce the chart and the dye the wool themselves. If the owner decides to have the chairs repaired, the restorators will do the job.
Another service they offer is making museum exhibit display molds, on which textiles would be lay fitted. These are exactly cut to the pattern of the articles, and are made of steel covered in batting and velvet.
So I am not going to be an apprentice at the atelier. But I will still continue my search for that school or textile master who will train me.
Or I will have to be that master, that is inside each and everyone of us.
More pictures I took in and around the Stapeler Schloss:
Stapeler Schloss view from the other side of the moat, the back of the Classical Architecture Castle
Stapeler Schloss view from the side of the moat, see the pigeon houses,the Baron´s families used to eat pigeons
Stapeler Schloss Wirtschaftshaus Garten, the house where workers used to work hundred of years ago.
The Dining Hall, fully handpainted wall papers. This is part of our accomodation. Was not able to photograph the other magnificent rooms.
Another view of the Dining Hall, overlooking the woods and Orangerie beyond the moat
1st time ever waking up in a castle,inspiring interiors,flowers in every room
Beside that news, I would also like to share how I finally got contacts from the german embroidery guild. That there is indeed one and the members in Berlin would like to create a chapter in Berlin. The most active of these Berliner members paid me a visit last week and asked me how about joining together for a Berlin embroidery guild. It was a wonderful news. We will be able to support each other and start “waking” more embroiderers in Berlin, who are yet to discover their passion for embroidery.
I thought if I can´t find that stitching paradise here where I live, then I will have to create one myself. LOL!
I am learning a lot, about being patient about what is going to happen. meanwhile I can develop my own taste in design and colors. And just having fun stitching…
Jane said,
August 30, 2009 @ 22:33
I am so glad your journey is starting to travel in interesting ways. It sounds as though you have made a good start and have made some good contacts.
Looking forward to reading more as you go onwards.
Jane
worksofhands said,
August 31, 2009 @ 08:23
Thank you, Jane! I already thought, it could not be, that all I plan and try to pursue, never materialized. I guess, I am one of those people, who has to keep eyes open, for blessings in disguises.
johnson said,
August 31, 2009 @ 09:19
I have recently been sent photographs of the most amazing needlework – a large banner depicting scenes made from rice, seeds and dried plant material. I have posted them on my blog for the world to see and hope you might find them of interest. Kind regards Johnson
worksofhands said,
August 31, 2009 @ 11:19
Thanks for sharing those photos, Johnson. They are indeed inspiring. It is such a pity if the work have been thrown away after it was exhibited. It is usually difficult to preserve such large works that are made mostly of un-treated raw materials. Insects will be drawn to them, the 3D shapes catches dust easily and gets easily worn out due to bumping. I have read that such works are usually preserved under glass, or laminated or varnished.
Jan said,
September 2, 2009 @ 03:58
I am saddened to hear that you are not going to be a apprentice at the atelier. Perhaps you were not ment to follow but lead. Perhaps your karma is to become a guild master in needlework and teach others the skills you’ve learned. I wonder is needlework ever sold in art galleries like painting or sketches? Would people buy your original needlework creations? Thinking of you today….. Jan
worksofhands said,
September 2, 2009 @ 11:16
Thanks Jan.
I wrote earlier about being colorblind. It is really a significant defect I have and it has always been a problem, because I like to draw and paint things eversince I was a child. I still remember, leaving the paper cover of my Crayolas so I would know which color is which. I did not think about how serious it was until I started thinking about studying painting when I reached early 20s.
I understand what you mean about leading and not following. It is a big risk to be an independent artist or designer. And I lost the confidence eversince my painting teacher asked me why I colored my self-portrait green.
So I thought I would get a part time job assisting other artists. As long as I do not get to choose the colors, I would be fine. But it is another weird idea.
At least I still could do caregiving jobs. Then just stitch whenever I can.
I do not think people would buy my future works. But I do want to show soon. I just have not started nor finished any good series of textile arts yet.
Jan said,
September 2, 2009 @ 17:36
Hind sight they say is always 20/20. I would have had a “well it got you to notice it pretty quick” snappy response to that painting teacher of yours. Heck just look at the works of Andy Warhol he painted famous people in all kinds of facial colors. HA!! Also working as an assistance is not a weird idea. I think it’s brilliant – you get to work with all these new and expensive floss, fiber, and fabrics at not cost to you; plus you get paid to do it.
Jan
worksofhands said,
September 2, 2009 @ 21:31
lol! I guess you are right, Jan.
Last weekend, I also tried asking this other kimono artist in Cologne, Germany. a few days ago he wrote back that he is too busy with his job in an art museum and exhibiting his art works. I know I said earlier, the restoration apprenticeship would be my last try. I guess I am wrong. I am still hoping for something nice for me in the textile world. thanks for the inspiration.
…and Warhol´s works are indeed genius.