By Violet Lorish, Florida State University
Hello! My name is Violet Lorish, and I am currently a rising third-year student at Florida State University studying in the College of Music and College of College of Arts and Sciences, where I am pursuing dual-degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Editing, Writing, and Media, alongside a minor in Art History. My research this summer is being directed under the guidance of Art History Professor, Dr. Leitch, with the support of the Tyler Center for Global Studies.
Photo from The Victoria and Albert Museum
My project “Stitched in Time: Linguistic Preservation in English Hand Embroidery” will push me not only as an artist and academic, but also allow me the opportunity to grow in a variety of areas which will benefit my future career.
As I have begun my preliminary research in the U.S. before travelling abroad, my work has primarily consisted of literature review and interviews. I have found the most challenging aspect to be the scheduling and coordination of in-person interviews and individual studies for my time abroad. However, as my studies have progressed, I have found it has become easier as time has gone on.
I have also grown my skills and abilities in regards to discernment. This project has required me to precisely define its goals and their individual purposes. The ability to consciously be as concise as possible will carry with me throughout the rest of my undergraduate career, and benefit my future endeavors as a lasting skill, which was reinforced through this project.
During my time researching in England this summer, I will be studying the applied embroidery practice of Goldwork, under the guidance of Michelle Agnew, a Sculptural Goldwork Specialist and Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silvery Wyre Drawers. Through these studies I will be given the opportunity to further develop my technical hand embroidery skills throughout the study of new techniques and material use. The art of Goldwork Embroidery requires the precise cutting of various metal threads to layer over felt padding giving the piece a three-dimensional feel. I believe that the study of these applied skills is essential to my research because an understanding of technique supplies the foundation for one’s understanding and contextualization of historical practice and continuing relevance. As an embroidery artist, the opportunity to study this practice will push me to develop new artistic skills, outlooks, and perspective.
The other essential aspect of my studies will occur during my time at the Victoria and Albert Museum working in their archives through their “Order an Object” appointments. This opportunity will allow me my first experience with archive work and I look forward to the opportunity to study and engage with the preserved objects one-on-one. The vast array of English embroidery samplers and pieces contained in the V&A’s collections is unique in size and variety, and will provide essential context and insight to my work.
The abroad portion of this project will push me to grow outside my comfort zone in regards to the practical life skills needed to navigate a solo international trip. Planning out every aspect of my work including using public transport systems, budgeting, currency change, and further developing a broader cultural understanding, are all abilities and skills which going forward in my adult life, will serve me well with the practical skills needed to work in various geographical and cultural settings.
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