Tudor Prison Embroidery

I enjoyed reading about Mary, Queen of Scots' prison embroideries recently. They're full of symbolism - hidden and not so hidden meaning. The pieces made at Oxburgh Hall, where Mary was kept captive for the greatest period of time, are some of her most famous. There are many examples from this period - Mary was even joined by one of her jailers, the aristocrat Bess of Hardwick, herself an accomplished embroiderer. Subjects range from allegories of Mary's situation to everyday animals found in Tudor Britain - cats, dogs, honey bees - and more fantastical creatures such as unicorns and dragons. 

A mouse's tail here is held by a ginger cat - an allegory for Queen Mary and her red haired cousin Elizabeth.

Unicorn

Beehive 

Marigolds (Mary's gold) wilting in the harsh sun

It's inspired me to look at talismans and lucky charms to embroider - symbols we like to keep near during times of need...

Fur and Frill

During a visit to the V&A recently I was drawn to the cases of carefully preserved clothes that seemed to really resonate with fashion's current love of all things 70s. Velvet, fur and silk... fashion actually does go in circles.

This arctic fox fur trimmed coat is late 19th Century fare

And these frills and starched bows even earlier - mid 18th Century

Hannah Murray, Oh Comely Magazine

On one of the hottest days of the summer I spent the day styling actress Hannah Murray and along with Oh Comely magazine's photographer Liz Seabrook, discovered Hannah's favourite parts of London. Both were a dream to work with, and you can see the full story in this month's issue of the magazine, available to order here

Back to the Future

1920s Striped platform sandals from the V&A looking very Spring Summer 2014