Modern Romance

Broderie anglaise – or “English embroidery” – is a form of whitework that combines open cutwork, needle lace and decorative stitching. Though associated with Victorian England, the technique originated in 16th-century Eastern Europe, where it embellished peasant blouses and religious garments. By the 19th century, it reached England and was named by French traders, referencing its popularity in British fashion. It became a staple in women’s clothing, children’s wear, nightgowns and household linens, valued for its balance of refinement and practicality: lightweight, breathable yet intricately detailed.

Today, broderie anglaise endures as a symbol of heritage. In a fast-paced, digitised world, it represents slowness, tactility and craftsmanship – a longing for the personal and the handmade.

Modern Romance explores this tension and creates its own language of contrast. Initially conceived around the idea of traditional beds, the project evolved as the collection developed. The challenge became one of balance – how to pare back ornamentation while honouring expressive detail. The exhibition beds, handcrafted by woodworkers in Georgia known for their sculptural and decorative approach, reflect this process: deliberately reduced, yet rooted in history.

The score for the exhibition, composed and recorded by Astrid Sonne, is written in four parts: Vocal 1, Vocal 2, Guitar and Piano. Vocal 1 and Vocal 2 are imaged by Sonne as states of being awake, while Guitar and Piano are warped with a dreamlike quality. These elements are then combined across the score, connecting the two worlds of wake and sleep.