History of Madeira Embroidery

Graceful, flowing movement is what gives Madeira embroidery its distinctive, romantic characteristics, according to Bordado Madeira. From tablecloths to handkerchiefs, Madeira embroidery is full of detail and design. Madeira hand embroidery is sought by collectors, and well as visitors to Madeira, for its beauty and perfection. The island of Madeira is off the coast of Africa in the North Atlantic, and is an autonomous region of Portugal. Madeira is known for a pleasant year-round climate and beautiful beaches.

Identification

Madeira embroidery is influenced by the natural beauty of the island which is incorporated into the designs. According to Bordado Madeira, the designs are from the inspiration of Madeira designers, past and present, from the beauty of the island along with multicultural influences. Characteristics of Madeira embroidery include natural motifs, abstract and imaginary flowers, geometrical figures and flowing lines. Needlecraft was a skill passed from generation to generation on Madeira.

Origin

Elizabeth Phelps, the daughter of a wealthy wine shipper, was the driving force behind Madeira embroidery's transformation from a hobby to an industry. In the late 19th century, with concerns over vine diseases affecting the wine production and workers' wages, she turned a local pastime of embroidery into a source of income for the island. By introducing the handmade embroidery from Madeira to Britain, she started demand for the embroidery.

Progression

In the following years, the demand for Madeira embroidery rose and the local embroiderers of were busy creating hand-embroidered products for the market. Local businessmen began traveling abroad, selling Madeira embroidery. The hand embroidery was thriving and demand rose in countries including Germany, the United States and Syria.

The 20th Century

The 20th century brought challenges for the Madeira embroidery trade with World Wars and a declining economy. The market was taken over by Syrian and Lebanese interests, which mass produced embroidery of lesser quality for American sales. When demand for quality Madeira embroidery began to appear again during the post-war period, new companies in Madeira opened, determined to return to hand-crafted Madeira embroidery. These companies include Patricio & Gouveia, Imperial de Bordados, and J.A. Teixeira.

Today

Today, there are several companies producing Madeira embroidery including Jaraba, Imperial and Marghab Linens, along with the companies created in the 20th century. Through dips in the industry, Madeira embroidery has maintained its popularity and continued to be in demand.

References

• Madeira: Embroidery
• Guia Madeira.net: Madeira Embroidery
• Oliveiras Bordados: Madeira Embroidery History

Resources

• Bordado Madeira: Designing Madeira Embroidery
• Worthpoint: Marghab Linens: The Finest Embroidery Ever Made