Raphael's Sistine Chapel Tapestries

While in England, I had the opportunity to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The focus for the visit was on four outstanding tapestries designed by Raphael for the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican and the Raphael Cartoons  from which they were woven. 'The Cartoons have been on display at the V & A since 1865 but the tapestries have never been shown before in the UK. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to see these stunning designs and tapestries together - something Raphael himself never witnessed. The Acts of St. peter and St. Paul are the only surviving tapestries designed by Raphael and were commissioned almost 500 years ago by the Medici Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel. Both the Cartoons and the tapestries are renowned masterpieces of High Renaissance art'. The photo shown is from the V & A Web Site.

While catching up on my email (I had lots to read), I found that Mary Corbet's Needle 'N Thread - October 1 newsletter, made reference to these same tapestries. But the best thing, she had a link to an online video about them. Have a look! Photos of the tapestries were not permitted.

England in the Fall

Alexander Palace

Well, it is confirmed that I will be heading to England in September on a Quilting & Needlework in England in the Fall tour with McCarthy's Party! For awhile we weren't sure it was going ahead but while I was on vacation, I got the good news. My friend and I will be staying in London for an extra week after the tour. One of the places we will visit on the tour, is the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexander Palace, London. This show is one of the major textile events in the UK. I'm looking forward to this one as I've read about it over the years in various quilting/stitching magazines. I've been to the International Quilt Show, Houston, Texas and that was fantastic!
Another stop will be the Royal School of Needlework based at Hampton Court in south-west London. In the morning, there is a tour of the Embroiderers Guild collection and explore the Palace (somehow, I can't see doing all that in one morning - maybe a second visit might be the thing to do) and in the afternoon, a private tour of the Royal School of Needlework is planned.

Victoria & Albert Museum

At York, we will visit the Quilters Museum, headquarters of the Quilters Guild of Great Britain. A special 'behind the scenes' tour has been arranged with the Museum Curator.

Sistine Chapel

While in London, we will be visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum. Apparently at the V & A  there is a special exhibition of tapestries from the Sistine Chapel. This is the first time ever in the UK for such a show. Of course, we will also see some of Princess Diana's wardrobe. 

That's a few places we will visit. I am hoping to meet some quilters and embroiderers while in England. I think that would be fantastic!

Patchwork Pattern Maker

Isn't the internet wonderful! Regardless of where you are (and you have an internet connection), you can read about all kinds of things. I just came across a reference to the Patchwork Pattern Maker on the Victoria & Albert Museum site.  This on-line program allows you to transform any image into a patchwork quilt. All you have to do is upload any image and convert it instantly into your own quilt pattern. Here's the photo I just did and the pattern made from it. This one is medium complexity (20 x 20 squares). I'm assuming the squares can be any size you want. Give it a try. It's quite easy to do!

This piece was a test for a larger one with five houses. It needs quilting in the sky as it sags a bit.