L’arte del merletto e del ricamo in Puglia: una storia di riscatto che oggi è un’opera d’arte

Locorotondo immerlettata Foto di Antonio Marangi concentrate

Editorial Staff 14 May 2023

Knitted or crocheted, wool, linen or cotton: whatever the techniques and materials, the history of embroidery in Puglia has been intertwined from the beginning with the history of women devoted to work and sacrifice, women who had and who have the stuff. The very origins of lace, the result of the crossed work of crochet and manual skills, are linked to Puglia and its women by a romantic legend.

Serena came from a very poor family, like her beloved, an artist, who also had no money. One sad day, Serena's mother contracted a terrible disease. The girl made a vow to the Virgin Mary, offending her, in exchange for her mother's recovery, to renounce her love. The girl confessed her decision to the young lover in the shade of a large tree, and while the two were sitting opposite each other, helpless and heartbroken, a spider's web fell from the branches of the tree, thin and light as silk. The two were captivated by its beauty and together made a copy with Flanders, faithfully reproducing its features thanks to a spindle. Together they created what was the first lace in history. The work was greatly appreciated by the noble ladies of the city, who generously rewarded the girl. The money thus obtained allowed the young woman to cure her mother, saving her life. However, the vow had already been pronounced, and while the two boys were preparing to say goodbye, a second spider's web fell into their hands, on which was embroidered the absolution from the oath and the best wishes.

Today, the art of embroidery and lace from Puglia is at the center of a proud rediscovery and valorization, which sees techniques and traditions, such as the historic Punto Maglie (from the town of the same name), handed down and taught to the youngest through special courses, but also elevated to the rank of true works of art, as for the installations created by the artist and designer Bernardo Palazzo in Valle d'Itria, with enormous doilies wrapping round bales of straw, nominated in 2022 for the ADI Compasso d'Oro Award, the oldest and most authoritative global recognition in the field of design, conceived by Gio Ponti.

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The art of lace and embroidery in Puglia: a story of redemption that is now a work of art

In the photo Locorotondo “immerlettata” in the shot by Antonio Marangi

Written by Editorial Staff

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The art of lace and embroidery in Puglia: a story of redemption that is now a work of art

In the photo Locorotondo “immerlettata” in the shot by Antonio Marangi

Written by Editorial Staff

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