SEMINAR OF LACE MAKING AND EMBROIDERY
2 Weeks - 83 Hours

The development of Textile Arts in Italy begins in the late Middle Ages. Palermo, Lucca, Florence, Bologna and Venice each had their own typical wool and silk factories.There are many testimonies to the splendor of the textile arts in Florence, especially in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, not to mention the medieval Sicilian fabrics, which were a marvelous synthesis of Moslem and Byzantine elements, and the Venetian damasks and velvets of the 1400's. Embroidery was also an expression of medieval artistic creativity, and while at first it flourished mainly in monasteries and castles, during the 14th century, it moved to the cities with their powerful guilds. Sacred vestments, emblems, coats of arms, clothing, draperies, linens and fabrics for furniture were all embroidered. Another decorative element enriched the artistic world of the "Minor Arts." A favorite of the Florentines of the 15th century, the Art of Lace Making originated from embroidery in Venice during that period. Lace was used to decorate linens and lingerie for men and women, and it quickly spread all over Europe. Examples of lace in paintings of the day give an idea of its development and beauty.

SYLLABUS
During the Italian Language lessons students will learn the names of the tools and materials that were used in the creation of stupendous textile and embroidery masterpieces. During the Workshop hours they will learn specific stitches from the past and will create small pieces designed during the lessons of Decoration Design under the supervision of experts. The study of Color Theory, History of Costume, and History of Embroidery will enable students to understand the beauty of this artistic world, which is still present today in the work of local artisans.

GUIDED TOURS
During thr seminar guided visits will be made to Venice, Island of Burano, Museum of Lace and to laboratories of embroidery which are still producing gorgeous items; to Foligno, to the Documentary Centre for Embroidery and Lace, where a rich collection of manufectured items can be admired.