Tuesday, April 14, 2015

What is a Woolie?

Antique Woolie
Photo by Paul Vandekar
     Over a decade ago I was reading a periodical for those whose interests include antiques, when I came upon a work of folk art depicting a ship at sea which was completely stitched using wool. The caption declared that it was called a "woolie" and was worked by a sailor. This was fascinating to me for two reasons; I love nautical motifs and the term used to describe this piece. The name resonated with me and I quickly decided that it was exactly the word I was looking for to describe my wool applique work. So as not to cause any confusion, I decided to spell it "wooly".


Antique Woolie
Photo by Paul Vandekar

     
     Woolies are pictures stitched by sailors on their long journeys at sea. They used mostly wool but also silk or cotton and most often were nautical in theme.There are British and American examples of woolies and original works can bring strong prices. Be sure to follow this link to a wonderful article that explains the world of woolies and their makers written by Paul Vandekar.   Woolie Catalog
Antique Woolie
Photo by Paul Vandekar
www.vandekar.com

2 comments:

  1. That is so fascinating...what a unique piece of history//and in my favorite medium, wool!!! Thanks so much, Rebekah!!!

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  2. Hello, Lovely site. Thanks. I am a (contemporary...not British) Woolie artist who contributed much to the rebirth of this wonderful lost art (said to be the rarest folk art because of its almost ephemeral nature...moths, weather, water, age damage) and in 2004 my Woolie exhibit scheduled to show for a month sold out in five days. My book Woolies Than and Now is on Amazon. My Woolies can be seen at Ironbound Gallery, Camden Maine and other fine galleries. Keep up the great work.

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