Members of the Richmond and Leyburn branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild are working on a project together. They are selecting typical pictures of Harlow Carr gardens, known as the Wisley of the north, near Harrogate, dividing them into squares, and embroidering one each. The first three panels are on display in the library of the gardens until 30th June. If you can’t make it before then, it is worth keeping an eye open for the next exhibition, which will surely follow, as they are currently working on the fourth panel.

They have printed the picture onto a finely woven fabric, and used that as a base. It is always interesting to see the different techniques people use to interpret their subject. As the pictures chosen show large flower beds, there are plenty of opportunities to compare the result of fine machine stitches, hand embroidery, and applique. Each photo is displayed beneath the embroidery.

Any artist will tell you that in is important to look carefully at your subject and then simplify what you see to show the important elements. This is another thing that can be seen in these panels. I particularly like the buildings on the skyline on the one with the orange flowers. One square shows the top of a greenhouse, because it is the main feature of that square. The neighbouring embroider had the corner of the greenhouse roof, a feature so minor in that square that it has been simplified out.

Here are Winter, Spring, and Summer.  Autumn is on the way.