Welcome to Potterton Books website the one stop source for reference books on Architecture, Antiques, Interior Design and the Decorative Arts. POTTERTON BOOKS : EMBROIDERY Embroidery of Greek Islands and Epirus Region: Harpies, mermaids and tulips by Sumru Belgar Krody Available May 2006. 160pp, 100 colour illustrations. Richly embroidered textiles produced from the early seventeenth century to the early nineteenth century in the Aegean and Ionian seas and in the Epirus region of Greece offer a unique window into island societies at the intersection of two worlds; the Latin West and Ottoman East. This book is a study of these textiles, customarily produced for bridal trousseaux and used in domestic life. Price:  £19.95 Painting with a needle: Learning the art of silk embroidery with Young Yang Chung July 2003. 176pp, 125 colour & 10 b&w illus, 54 line drawings. This illustrated volume provides detailed, step by step instructions for 19 original projects - ranging from wall hangings to a cell phone case - that are suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced. Chung places silk embroidery in an East Asian historical and sociological context. Price:  £19.95 Animals Embroidered patterns 208pp, 221 colour, 24 technical drawings. Superby colour reproductions of original embroideries. The discovery of the Nowotny collection in Vienna brings us a selection of patterns that is unique both in quality and quantity. It is also a comprehensive record of some of the most refined and elegant creations of the 19th century. In the history of embroidery, the 19th century occupies a very special place. Not only did it coincide with the most popular period in this time honoured art but is also happened to be the century in which embroidery gave full expression to the ideal of femininity. Price:  £25.00 Art of Embroidery: History of style and techniques by Lanto Synge 352pp, 320 colour, 30 b&w illus. The story of emboirdery and needlework is discussed within the fascinating context of the history of fabrics, of decorative costume, of interior decoration, of church and state ceremonial, of girl's education, of furniture and pastimes. Silk, cotton, linen and the significance of colours and dyes are also considered. Two interesting chapters reveal the worldwide fascination with the influence of Chinese embroidery and Indian textiles. The book is rich with the art-historical background encompassing the most magnificent of all embroidery, the medieval English vestments so coveted by Popes and Bishops accross Europe, to the domestic treasures created in more recent centuries. Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classical and other period characteristics are each discussed with reference to works created by children, young girls, and ladies whomade furniture coverings destined for posterity. The 19th century saw extremes of art and fashion ranging from Berlin woolwork to art needlework and the eclectic inspiration represented by William Morris, all leading to simpler modernist styles which envolved over the 20th century. Price:  £45.00 Embroideries and patterns from the 19th century Vienna 208pp, 200 colour illus, 35 line drawings. The Nowotny Collection in Vienna has housed an outstanding collection which is unique both in the quantity and quality of the patterns which have been preserved. Rafaella Serena surveys sampler, motifs, and decorative patterns such as garlands, flowers, animals and landscapes. The most significant patterns of the Nowotny Collection are integrated with other examples drawn from different sources in order to give a fuller and more complete historical and stylistic account of the Biedermeier period which was then at the peakof its influence. The book provides a comprehensive historical record of some of the most refined and elegant artistic creations of the 19th century, and includes practical, usable patterns. Price:  £25.00 POTTERTON BOOKS : EMBROIDERY Buy Online - the best way to buy.