A Grand Day Out

 25 YES members enjoyed a sunny day out in Halifax in October.  First stop was the Bankfield Museum where we saw (and were allowed to gently handle) a selection of antique British textiles, some of which are photographed below.

A pair of 18th century, Dutch influenced pockets.  Wool embroidered on linen, mainly satin stitch and chain stitch.

Detail of a ribbon work piece with stem stitch and satin stitch.

Button detail including bullion work from a heavily embroidered gentleman's court dress (jacket) of the mid 18th century.

We were also able to see items from the Edith Durham collection.  Edith travelled extensively in the Balkans in the early 1900s.  She donated her extensive collection of textiles, photographs, notes and drawings to the Bankfield in 1935.  Some of these are photographed below.

Detail from a man's gold braided short jacket.

Detail from a North Albanian woman's headwrap woven in Scutari,  Cotton and native grown and spun silk.

Detail from a shirt front of Orthodox man of Ragusa, near Dubrovnik.  Silk embroidery on hand woven linen.

We also saw several items of Oriental origin, now fragments from larger textiles.

Mixed Chinese embroidered pieces.  The fragments appear to come from a satin dragon robe with Buddhist emblems predominantly in satin stitch.  Lower edge of robe and a cuff with neck piece, possibly late 18th century.  The four-claw dragon emblem could only be worn by imperial nobility and high-ranking officials.

It was a privilege being able to closely examine the textiles.  There was much to admire, including an Autumnal pumpkin and bat.  

Detail of pumpkin (to the Chinese an

 symbol for prosperity, abundance, descendant's luck, illustrious children and enchantment).

Detail of bat (sharing a similar sound as the words for 'blessings' and 'riches' and one of the most popular of the Chinese symbols).

The group also enjoyed the special exhibition 'Opening the Wardrobe' which featured clothing from Lucy Adlington's collection.  Several group members were familiar with her popular costume-in-context presentations.  The exhibition runs until December 2023, more information www.calderdale.gov.uk/museums

In the fashion gallery we were amused by Godfrey and Cynthia, although traumatised by recollections of bri-nylon bedding!

Godfrey in mid-20th century flannel nightshirt, Cynthia in 1960's nightie, bed jacket and boudoir cap.

In the afternoon the group moved on to Shibden Hall which dates back to 1490 and was home to the noted diarist Anne Lister (1791-1840) 'Gentleman Jack'.  The main house contains original furniture and furnishings.  The barns are filled with carriages and rural craft displays.  The extensive grounds and lake are now a lovely public park.

There was lots to see and enjoy - definitely a grand day out!