Outing to the V&A

On Monday 26th November the Guild of St Clare children's chapter had its Michaelmas Term outing, which was to the Victoria and Albert Museum. We were very fortunate to be guided round the exhibits by one of the V&A's experts, Anne Howarth. On hearing the name of the Guild she took us to see the Altar of St Clare, originally built for a church in Florence. (I apologise for the poor quality pictures - the V&A was very dimly lit and rather busy which made it difficult!)

The Altar of St Clare

She showed us some remarkable embroidered vestments including a splendid cope decorated with many different saints, worn for Palm Sunday, as well as introducing us to various historical fashions.

Some of the children looking at a medieval tapestry

We've come away with plenty of inspiration for future sewing projects! Many thanks to the V&A for such a historical treat.