Clerical Vestments: Ceremonial Dress of the Church

Description

The churches of Britain contain a remarkable heritage of exquisitely embroidered vestments, and cathedrals in particular hold some of the most beautiful textiles ever produced in Europe. The history of these priestly garments and how their use developed in Britain and Europe is fascinating. This book outlines the tradition and mysticism associated with them and the role they still play in the 'theatre' of church, and shows how colour and ornament are used in the symbolism of the Christian faith. It explores the history of vestment production up to the present day, covering the practicalities of design, the sourcing of fabrics and the embroiderers themselves.

Sarah Bailey was trained at Glasgow School of Art in Embroidered and Woven Textiles where she first encountered the discipline of goldwork for ecclesiastical use. She has taught and lectured on various aspects of textile design and practice to all sorts of groups and continues to be commissioned by churches countrywide making vestments and frontals. Her ecclesiastical work references tradition but using modern techniques and materials alongside the very traditional. Sarah lives in south Somerset with her husband, a priest with nine churches, running workshops, lecturing, and exhibiting her textile work.