The Early Medieval Embroiderer

Artist Statement

Alexandra Makin is a professional embroiderer and textile archaeologist specialising in early
medieval embroidery and textiles. While she analyses surviving pieces and reports on their technical
construction and use, Alexandra also uses this information to investigate how and why the
embroideries were made and used as they were. She is particularly fascinated by the embroiderers’
skills and understanding of their materials and it is this that inspired her to create The Early Medieval
Embroiderer. The piece incorporates motifs found on surviving early medieval embroideries worked
in stitches and threads used during the period. The overall design represents a kaleidoscope of
colour and ideas swirling from the embroiderers’ minds through their skilled hands and onto fabric.