Description

PROSERPINE 

This design is based on a piece from the RSN Archives. ‘Proserpine’ was one of four panels depicting the Goddesses Juno, Minerva, Venus and Proserpine designed by Selwyn Image (1849-1930) in the late 19th Century for the RSN. Image was an important British artist, designer, writer and poet associated with the Arts & Crafts Movement, designing stained-glass windows, furniture, embroidery, and was an illustrator of books. Proserpine or Proserpina/Persephone was attributed as a Goddess of agriculture, Springtime and the cycle of life, and the pomegranate is often associated with her.  

The design is worked in a greyscale pallet with touches of gold, using Stranded cotton and metallic threads on Irish linen.  

This kit teaches a variety of common surface stitches including Stem stitch, Chain stitch, Buttonhole, Split stitch, Back stitch, and French Knots. In addition to some more challenging variations on these such as Whipped Chain, Portuguese Knotted Stem and Hungarian Braided Chain. Also, how to blend colours in the needle for added effect and working with individual strands of cotton to create a very delicate design.

As well as an introduction to the Whitework technique of Ladder Stitch and the Goldwork technique of Brick Couching.

Design will fit in an 18 inch slate frame. Finished design approx.
H 30cm x W 18cm

About Jessica Ingram

Jessica grew up on her family’s farm based in the Chiltern Hills in Oxfordshire, but with a grandmother that was a prolific knitter and a Grandfather who was a sculptor (before later becoming a farmer) a creative career is probably what she as always destined for.  

In 2017 Jessica found her way to the Future Tutor Programme at the RSN, from which she graduated in August 2020. During her time on the programme she gained expert knowledge in many of the other traditional embroidery techniques, such as Blackwork, Goldwork, Stumpwork, Fine Whitework and Silk shading, as well as working in the RSN studio, learning how to conserve and restore historical embroidery.  

Whilst she no longer works on the family farm much as she used to, it is still a source of inspiration both visually and personally. From the landscape and wildlife, which give plenty of inspiration for kit designs, to the walks through the fields to one of her favourite views on the farm.