Embroidered Bed Hanging 1935 - 1942

Mildred Bent made this embroidered bed hanging, and while we can't know exactly when, the work has a timeless quality. The stitching on this piece is so interesting, it's almost like a form of drawing with thread. Look at the trunk of the tree, how the artist has used different coloured strands to build up the texture. The approach feels intuitive, process-led, with the artist responding to the material in front of her. Embroidery is such a tactile medium, and you can almost feel the raised surface of the stitching. I love how the artist has created this sense of depth and volume through layering and shading. Then there is the other, potted tree. Perhaps it is orange? I love the way the vase or pot has been rendered. It all feels so folk-like. This piece reminds me of the work of contemporary embroidery artists who are pushing the boundaries of the medium today. It's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, with artists building on the traditions of the past to create something new.