Small miracles in stitch

It’s great to find small treasures that intrigue visitors to the gallery. Ann Notley uses stumpwork embroidery to re-create in stitch, the abundance of wildflowers and insects that can be found where she lives, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The stitched figures are raised from the surface of the work to form a 3-dimensional effect.

Beetle by Ann Notley © Sian Pratten 2013

A part of the pleasure is the voyage of discovery – seeing the insects and mushrooms which she skilfully creates and then realising that they are comprised of tiny stitches raised from the surface to form a 3-dimensional effect. One cannot but be amazed at the perfection of each minute stitch.

Detail of Stumpwork moth by Ann Notley © Sian Pratten 2013

A few of the small pieces in the Oriel CRiC Gallery at the moment have been inspired by the Traherne window in the Hereford Cathedral. 

The window in the Audley Chapel was commissioned by the dean and Chapter in celebration of the life and work of the 17th century priest and metaphysical poet Thomas Traherne (1637 – 74). 

Detail  Treherne window, Hereford Cathedral  © Sian Pratten 2013

Stained glass artists Tom Denny has brought Traherne’s delight and love of nature to life in the glowing beauty of the windows. 

Small details from the glass © Sian Pratten 2013

detail from the glass translating Traherne's words into a visual image
© Sian Pratten 2013  

Visiting the cathedral was a discovery of  Ann's inspiration and of Treherne's delight is seeing the wonder of Creation in everything he encountered - the vast as well as the miniature.

© Sian Pratten 2013

Hereford Cathedral © Sian Pratten 2013

Ann is a member of a local group of textile artists with the rather unusual title of the “Mad Mountain Stitchers” who have become known for taking on some unusual challenges. As well as their individual work they work on collective projects such as a recent mixed media piece portraying the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon