Author(s): Mary Schoeser

Craft | Textiles

Textiles are the most ubiquitous, diverse, and consistently creative art form on the planet. This major new work comprises more than one thousand images that highlight the beauty, subtlety, simplicity, or complexity of textiles created around the world. Based on knowledge accrued over a lifetime of immersion in the textile arts, Mary Schoeser’s definitive text offers sweeping insight into the role that textiles have played throughout human civilization. The juxtaposition of historical and contemporary examples highlights the skill and imagination of textile designers through the centuries as well as the remarkable range of achievements. Detailed images and informed captions illustrate the variety and allure of textiles, and the informative descriptions include histories of private collections, underscoring the importance of context for appreciating the exquisite detail of fabric and cloth. An extensive resource section provides valuable information about museum and textile associations across the globe.

Review: 'As good as it gets ... a wonderful resource and reference book ... this wonderfully illustrated book is a rich visual feast ... clear and thought-provoking' - Selvedge
'Can be picked up often as a reference, an inspiration, or for personal refreshment ... an extraordinary accomplishment that pays tribute to this field and its practitioners' - Surface Design Journal
'The writer's knowledge of the field and her practical experience of making are evident throughout ... a sumptuous - and well-writtendesign resource aimed at inspiring textile art and design of the future' - Textile History
'With its sumptuous cloth cover and more than 1,000 colour images of historical and contemporary textiles, this fascinating journey through the history and meanings of textiles cannot fail to impress' - Embroidery

Contents: I. Impact * II. Ingredients * III. Structure: Non-tensioned Techniques; Looping & Twisting; Weaving * IV. Surface: Insertions; Embroidery; Painting & Printing * V. Added Dimensions: Pleating & Folding; Cutting & Stitching; Elaborations * VI. Imagery: Content; Identity; Narrative * Resources * Further Reading

Author Biography: Mary Schoeser is a leading authority in the field of textiles and is Honorary President of the UK Textile Society. As an adviser on historic textiles and wallpaper, she has worked with organizations such as English Heritage, the National Trust, Liberty in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Schoeser has organized many textile exhibitions, including a collaboration with the Design Museum at the University of California, Davis, to highlight elements of their collection researched in connection with this book. Her previous publications include International Textiles and World Textiles.