The Fondation Etrillard is supporting the research programme ‘Cataloguing, studying and promoting a fragile and little-known heritage: the catalogue of medieval and Renaissance embroideries held in French public collections’.
Launched in 2023 at the École pratique des hautes études (EPHE-PSL), this project is coordinated by Astrid Castres, a senior lecturer in art history, and Agathe Okecki, a research engineer, both of whom are affiliated with the Saprat laboratory (EPHE-PSL). It focuses on a still underappreciated aspect of our heritage: the embroideries held in French public collections and produced between 1200 and 1600 – works that are as precious as they are fragile. To gain a better understanding of them and raise awareness of them, the researchers are carrying out a survey of the works, followed by a study of their materials, techniques and styles. The findings are widely shared via an online database, lectures and publications.
The Foundation’s support focuses specifically on two initiatives. The first is a research campaign in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, carried out at sixteen sites, including the Musée des Tissus in Lyon and the treasury of Le Puy-en-Velay Cathedral. The second is the scientific analysis of a 14th-century altar frontal held at Château-Thierry.
The project also includes the production of a video offering a behind-the-scenes look at this analysis, as well as the publication of a book aimed at the scientific community.
At the crossroads of research, knowledge transfer and promotion, this initiative helps to preserve and promote France’s textile heritage.