Semer Ladies visit silk exhibition at Gainsborough's House

Enjoying an introductory talk in the Garden at Gainsborough's House.

It was very good to welcome a group of ladies from Semer to Gainsborough’s House a couple of weeks ago.  I do miss getting around the Cosford area, and it was nice to see some old acquaintance along with some new faces.  The group was given an introductory talk and a tour of the House.  I was able to say a little about the exciting capital project which, we hope, will transform the museum for generations to come.

I hope that they enjoyed the exhibition, Silk: from Spitalfields to Sudbury, currently showing at the museum.   I had an opportunity this week to take a closer look and it is a most interesting show.

The exhibition explores the local and national history of silk in England from the eighteenth century to the current day.  Loans from the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Museum of London and Norwich Castle Museum supplement items and samples sourced from our local silk weaving firms here in Sudbury.

In addition to its many other charms, Sudbury is the largest producer of silk woven textiles in England, with four different companies that trace their roots back to the early nineteenth century.  The town already had a history of working with textiles due to its history as a centre for wool production, and it is thought that Gainsborough’s brilliance in depicting clothing was due to his family’s association both with this trade, and also the fashion industry, (his sister was a milliner).  The picture of Lady Alston below(sadly not part of the exhibition!) is a good example of his skill.

Silk: from Spitalfields to Sudbury runs until 8^th October 2017 at Gainsborough’s House.  It is supported by the John Ellerman Foundation.

Lady Alston by Thomas Gainsborough (c. 1753 - 60) Oil on Canvas.  The Louvre.