14^th Century Textiles in England and France: Fibers, Fabrics and Dyes 

TEX07B01

(Created by Gwyneth Carr)

Level of Content: Intermediate. Students should already have familiarity with basic textile terminology.

Estimated Length of Class: 1 - 2 hours, depending on amount of student participation and modern world information.

Course Description: This class will familiarize the student with the fibers, fabrics and dyes in common use during the 14^th century in England and France. The class will also provide students with information regarding modern world availability of fabrics, as well as appropriate modern substitutions for medieval fibers and fabrics.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this class, students should be able to:

Identify textiles common in 14^th century Northwestern Europe;

Recognize various weave types common during the 14^th century;

Recognize various dyestuffs available during the 14^th century;

Understand what fibers/fabrics/dyes are available in the modern world;

Know how to make appropriate modern substitutions for medieval fibers and fabrics.

Suggested Teaching Resources:

Alsford, Stephen. Florilegium Urbanum. “Economy.” Last revision 10 September 2004. Access date 15 February 2006.

http://www.trytel.com/~tristan/towns/florilegium/flor00.html

Craig, Albert M., et al. The Heritage of World Civilizations. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2005.

Crowfoot, Elisabeth, Frances Pritchard and Kay Staniland. Medieval Finds From Excavations in London: 4, Textiles and Clothing c. 1150-1450. New York: Boydell Press, 2001.

Egan, Geoff and Frances Pritchard, Medieval Finds From Excavations in London: 3, Dress Accessories c. 1150-1450. New York: Boydell Press, 2002.

Mazzoui, Maureen Fennell. The Italian Cotton Industry in the Later Middle Ages 1100-1600. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981.

Newton, Stella Mary. Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince; A study of the years 1340-1365. New York: Boydell Press, 2002.

Ostergard, Else. Woven into the Earth; Textiles from Norse Greenland. Connecticut: Aarhus University Press, 2004.

Syllabus kindly made for RUGA by Gwyneth Carr, 1/9/07.