The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries

I've a delightful book with large pull-out pages depicting the four Devonshire Hunting Tapestries. Currently owned by the V&A, this group of four 15th century tapestries depict medieval life and fashion within the popular pastime of hunting. The set is comprised of Boar and Bear Hunt, Falconry, Otter and Swan Hunt and Deer Hunt. They are believed to be of the International Gothic style of about 1400, but possibly made between 1425-1450. It never ceases to amaze me that textiles have survived the general havoc of nature and destruction of mankind.

Medieval Relic Keeper

Last fall, my dear friend Jen of Parrish Relics created this one-of-a-kind pendant for me to celebrate my furry babies, Queen Mab and Frick. The necklace has a place inside in which I tucked little pieces of cat fur to keep them near to me when I wear it. When not worn, I keep it displayed on my dressing table forming a belt for this Medieval Lady with falcon.

Detail shots and the matching earrings that arrived in Friday's mail! They are so very beautiful.


She created a little heraldic device for them on the back.


Today, I celebrate being the "mommy" to these two incredible felines, litter mates who came into my life when they were just a few weeks old. Last Monday, Queen Mab and Frick celebrated their 9th birthdays - so much to adore and love.

Queen Mab, regal in sunlight



Her silly brother, Frick

Gloucester Cathedral

Visit to Gloucester Cathedral — Summer of 2003.

Edward Burne-Jones Medieval Sunflowers

Scenes from the Legend of St. Frideswide
This stained glass panel by Edward Burne-Jones graces the Latin Chapel of Christ Church in Oxford. As paraphrased from Flora Symbolica, in his use of sunflowers as a medieval motif, he exercised his “right to make them talk mottoes”. Among those - absente sole languesco (in the absence of the sun I perish) and usque ad reditum (until your return).

Look how cute the pigs are!

More Medieval pretty

The caption on this postcard received from a friend reads
Penelope Writing Her Fifth Letter. French, c1496.

Medieval Women - at work and play

It seems hilarious that this woman is wearing an ornate crown while weaving.

The Romance of the Rose

Perfection in wood inspired by the medieval epic, The Romance of the Rose. Note the gorgeous polychrome textile design on the figures' tunics! From the drawing room of the Tower House, London.