Digital Lecture: Naughty Medieval Embroidery

Digital Lecture: Naughty Medieval Embroidery

Join us for a special online talk with acclaimed textile artist and embroidery historian Tanya Bentham, known for blending historical research with the humour found in medieval manuscripts and marginalia.

Tanya is a leading practitioner of Opus Anglicanum—a highly skilled form of embroidery from medieval England—and has spent over 20 years bringing these ancient techniques back to life with a modern twist. She pays special attention to materials, stitches, and natural dyes typical of the period, giving her work real historical depth. Her embroidery is meticulous, richly detailed, and loved by textile enthusiasts, medievalists, and museum audiences alike.

In her latest book, Naught Embroidery (2024), Tanya explores medieval embroidery techniques alongside the colourful, silly, and sometimes filthy imagery found in the margins of medieval art.

In this talk, Tanya will discuss her practice and share stories and historical context behind some of her favourite (and naughtiest) pieces.

Tanya’s book is available in our museum shop and at your local bookshop.

Tickets to the talk are available at 100 SEK.