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Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery
This exhibition explored a selection of the most outstanding examples of English medieval embroidery. Featuring surviving examples of exquisite craftsmanship, it revealed the artistic skill of the makers and the world in which they were created.
This exhibition is now closed at V&A South Kensington
Exhibition highlights
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The John of Thanet Panel, Unknown, 1300-1320, England. Museum no. T.337-1921. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
The ‘Jesse’ Cope, 1295-1315, England. Museum no. 175-1889. Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
The John of Thanet Panel, Unknown, 1300-1320, England. Museum no. T.337-1921. Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
(Detail) The Butler Bowdon Cope, 1330 – 45, England. Museum no. T.36-1955. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
The Thornton Chasuble, 1510-1533. Museum no. 697-1902. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
The Steeple Aston Cope (detail), 1310-1340, England. Loan: Steeple Aston.2. Photograph © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
The Fishmongers' Pall, 1512 – about 1538, England. © The Worhsipful Company of Fishmongers, London -
Seal-bag, about 1280, England. inv. no. wam 1494. © Westminster Abbey -
Episcopal shoes from the tomb of Archbishop Hubert Walter, 1170 – 1200, England. © Canterbury Cathedral -
Surcoat belonging to Edward the Black Prince, before 1376. © Canterbury Cathedral
Features
Introducing Opus Anglicanum
Find out more about this stunning exhibition of English medieval embroidery – the first in over half a century
The Steeple Aston Cope
Discover how the fabric of this English medieval embroidery has been altered, ensuring its survival over centuries
The making of medieval embroidery
See the traditional embroidery techniques used to create masterpieces of opus anglicanum
The Butler-Bowdon Cope
Take a closer look at the elaborate iconography of the Butler-Bowdon Cope
The Syon Cope
Explore the beautiful imagery of the Syon Cope, embroidered in coloured silk and silver threads
James Merry on Opus Anglicanum
Contemporary embroidery artist James Merry takes a closer look at surviving masterpieces of English medieval embroidery
The Tree of Jesse Cope
Explore the richly-worked imagery and intricate design of the Tree of Jesse Cope
An A–Z of Opus Anglicanum
Do you know your cope from your chasuble, your split stitch from your satin stitch?
Medieval mythologies
Peering out from the stitched designs of English medieval embroideries are lifelike animals, alongside fantastical creatures drawn from mythology and the imagination.
The Christmas story in opus anglicanum
Christmas imagery appears throughout medieval art and particularly on richly-worked and intricate English medieval embroidered textiles, known as opus anglicanum
Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery
Support generously provided by The Ruddock Foundation for the Arts
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