Kneeling Pillows (Laurels)

Regalia

Laurels Kneeling Pillows

Information

Status:	Active
Artist(s):	Laurels of Caid

Prior to the construction of these pillows, there were a variety of cushions, pads, and soft things laid before the Thrones. Noting the generally shabby condition of these pillows, the Order of the Laurel in Caid agreed to sponsor the construction of new kneeling pillows.

The Pillow Project began in late 1988, directed by Mistress Louise of Woodsholme. Inspired by the embroidered slips she studied at Traquair House in Scotland, and the Oxburgh Hangings, worked by Mary Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwicke, Louise designed the embroidery patterns.

The embroidered patches, or slips, were worked by Companions of the Order. Mistress Astra Christiana Benedict constructed the inner pillows, and stuffed them with kapok. After the inner pillows were complete, Mistress Louise assembled the velvet pillows, mounted the slips, and couched metallic cord around them.

Attributions for the work are being collected. If you worked on this project, please contact Messer Giuseppe Francesco da Borgia.

Construction

The slips are worked in 6-strand DMC cotton threads on 18-count needlepoint mesh. The velvet pillows are constructed of heavy cotton velvet. The initial size of the top panel is 26" x 18"; the finished dimensions are 25.5" x 17.5" (5" tall). The top panels are mounted in tent embroidery frames for the mounting of the slips and couching the cord. A 2.5 yard tri-color twist of piping cord finishes the edge of the top panel.

Refurbishment

During the twenty years of heavy use, the blue velvet became faded and soiled. In 2009, Giuseppe and Giles agreed to take on the refurbishing of the pillows. The slips were unmounted, and carefully cleaned in a solution of dish soap and water. Giles remounted the Royal and Baronial arms on new velvet panels, braided silver floss and edged the slips. After mounting, the velvet was slit behind the slips, and the void was filled with wool fiber to keep them raised, a technique called 'trapunto'. Giuseppe couched gold cord on the velvet panels. The pillows were assembled, and presented to TRM Edward II and Mora at their stepping down.

Arts Pillow

The Arts Pillow, featuring the badges of Society and Caidan arts and sciences orders, was presented to TRM Wilhelm and Thaleia at their stepping down on June 4, 46as (2011). The pillow has the badges of the Order of the Laurel, the Lux Caidis, Chanson, Chamfron, the Harp Argent, and the Legion of Courtesy.

Service Pillow

This pillow was presented to TRM Mansur and Eilidh at the celebration of Twelfth Night, 47as. It is decorated with the badges of Society and Caidan service orders: the Pelican and the Crescent (both worked by Messer Giuseppe Francesco da Borgia), the Dolphin (worked by Mistress Angelina Nicollette de Beaumont; one of the original slips from the first iteration of the pillows), and the Acorn, by Mistress Su of the Silver Horn. The gold scrollwork on the pillow is the work of Giuseppe Francesco da Borgia; the assembly (and kapok stuffing) of the pillow was done by Giles Hill.