Hanging
1998 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This hanging was the first in a series of commissions by the Worshipful Company of Weavers, the oldest of all the City of London Livery companies whose history can be traced back to the early 12th century. The Company continues to uphold tradition, whilst supporting and promoting the modern textile industry and craft. Any current, final year student in the School of Textiles at the Royal College of Art or any recent graduate is eligible to apply for the commission, which hangs initially in the offices of the Company before coming on loan to the V&A. Prue Jessop has constructed this hanging from fabric woven from two different warps and the central design element of the piece was inspired by the reflective and sculptural qualities of metal and its introduction into traditional cloth by mechanical means rather than on the hand-loom.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | woven silk, linen, copper and enamel |
Brief description | Hanging, woven silk, linen and metal thread, designed and woven by Prue Jessop, British, 1997 |
Physical description | Hanging constructed from fabric woven from two different warps. The ground cloth is a close set 4 thread organzine silk, with linen and foil wrapped weft yarns. The organza cloth is a black raw silk, with tin-copper and enamel coated copper wire weft. The metallic foil yarn has also been used to create two gold bands that echo the shimmering cloth behind it. |
Dimensions |
|
Production type | Unique |
Gallery label | Commissioned by the Company of Weavers, one of the oldest Livery companies in London, this hand is constructed from fabric woven from two different warps. The ground cloth is a close set 4 thread organzine silk, with linen and foil wrapped weft yarns. The organza cloth is a black raw silk, with tin-copper and enamel coated copper wire weft. The metallic foil yarn has also been used to create two gold bands that echo the shimmering cloth behind it. The central design element of this piece was inspired by the reflective and sculptural qualities of metal and its introduction into traditional cloth by mechanical means rather than on the hand-loom. |
Credit line | Given by the Worshipful Company of Weavers |
Object history | The Worshipful Company of Weavers commisions a modern wall hanging/piece of textile art for its offices in the City of London bi-annually and invites current and recent students of the School of Textiles at the Royal College of Art to submit their ideas and portfolios with a view to one of them being selected to undertake the submission. The designs are considered by representatives of the Company, the RCA and the V&A. Although initially the commissioned piece hangs in the Company's offices, or lent on exhibition, it is then given on long-term loan to the V&A, eventually to form a collection with other previous and subsequent commissions to build a representative collection of the work of newly graduated students. On long term loan to the V&A 2000 - 2015 [2001/256]; given to the Museum in 2015 [2015/416]. Historical significance: The charter for the Worshipful Company of Weavers was granted by Henry II in 1155 making it the earliest Livery Company in the City of London. It was the first textile guild. Since then the Mercers, Drapers, Merchant Taylors, Haberdashers and Clothworkers have been set up. |
Historical context | The Weavers' Company is the oldest of all the City of London Livery companies, and has a long history stretching back to the early 12th century. It continues to uphold the traditions of the Comapny and of the City of London, whilst supporting and promoting the modern textile industry and craft. |
Production | Reason For Production: Commission |
Association | |
Summary | This hanging was the first in a series of commissions by the Worshipful Company of Weavers, the oldest of all the City of London Livery companies whose history can be traced back to the early 12th century. The Company continues to uphold tradition, whilst supporting and promoting the modern textile industry and craft. Any current, final year student in the School of Textiles at the Royal College of Art or any recent graduate is eligible to apply for the commission, which hangs initially in the offices of the Company before coming on loan to the V&A. Prue Jessop has constructed this hanging from fabric woven from two different warps and the central design element of the piece was inspired by the reflective and sculptural qualities of metal and its introduction into traditional cloth by mechanical means rather than on the hand-loom. |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.37-2015 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | September 20, 2004 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest