Historical description

The tulle embroidery of Panicale is derived from antique local tradition as shown by the pieces produced in the convents and still preserved in our churches. This technique widespread in the 1800's after the invention of the mechanical loom for tulle (1809) was a fast way of producing pieces similar to needle lace. In the 1920's it was reworked by Anita Belleschi Grifoni, who perfected the technique, also founding a school of tulle embroidery, giving to the technique the name "Ars Panicalensis". The embroidery school gave to many from Panicale the possibility of the first steps to financial independence.

Technical description

The working of the embroidery necessitated a prior tacking onto a double support consisting of waxed paper (with the design) and brown parcel paper. The embroidery is then worked with running stitches and different background stitches to produce effects of space/fullness and of light and shade. Flowers, network medallions, birds of paradise, baroque scrolls are the most prominent motifs of Ars Panicalensis

Information workshop 11^th - 12^th May 2005

Teacher:Paola Matteucci,
Curator of the Tulle Museum of Panical - Perugia

Language: Italian, English

Prerequisite: The work is of medium difficulty, it is advisable to have experience in embroidery.

Objective: Learning basic techniques, preparation and working of a simple motif.

Materials provided by the organisation: Tulle, design, thread, needle, workbook.

Materials to be provided by the pupils: Scissors, thimble.