About

LEEK TEXTILE WEEK

Textiles were a fundamental part of a church interior in the late nineteenth century. They were mainly intended for use on or around the altar, and soften a focal point, and were the finest available in order to enhance the church and be in harmony with the other decorative arts. The embroideries in Saint Edward's Church are no exception. 

 

The Leek Embroidery Society was founded by Thomas and Elizabeth Wardle, in either 1879 or 1880. Elizabeth Wardle, a skilled needlewoman, produced fine ecclesiastical and domestic pieces, working with local embroiderers. The Society developed a distinctive technique from its use of Indian tussar silk thread, coloured with natural dyes in leek, to form just four simple stitches. The needlework produced by the Leek Embroidery Society for the church reveals a remarkable range of designs, techniques and rich fabrics, which were all worthy of their purpose and setting. 

 

Although some of the embroideries are on permanent display in the church, many are stored, and only displayed during St Edward’s Heritage Open Days in September. This will be a unique opportunity to see them all, accompanied by an informative talk by a member of St. Edward's congregation Rowena Lovatt, a very talented lady who has also produced beautiful modern altar frontals for St. Edward's which are used throughout the church year. 

£5.00 Admission