a conversation between two friends separated by one state, sharing the same passion for the art of knitwear.

knitorious is an archive for knitwear designers, knitwear students, knitwear lovers and even the knitwear curious.

4.04.2011

the archaeology of a dress.


a Victorian dress decorated with 1,000 REAL BEETLE WINGS is set to go back on display following 1,300 hours of painstaking conservation work carried out by a team led by Zenzie Tinker.

The emerald and sea green gown, covered with the iridescent wings of the jewel beetle (which they shed naturally), was worn by Ellen Terry, one of the most celebrated and glamorous actresses of the Victorian age when she thrilled audiences with her portrayal of Lady Macbeth at London’s Lyceum Theatre in 1888.

It was one of the most iconic and celebrated theatre costumes of the time (and it was crocheted!!, immortalised by the John Singer Sargent portrait now on display at the Tate Gallery.

Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth in 1888, by John Singer Sargent.



read more here.

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