The Art of Hardanger Embroidery Rediscovered With Betty Oldham

Betty Oldham: The Art of Hardanger Embroidery Rediscovered

Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery

Hardanger embroidery is a form of Norwegian cutwork with roots in earlier Asian and European needlework traditions. In Norway’s Hardanger region, embroiderers developed distinctive techniques, eventually decorating clothing and household linens. Norwegian immigrants carried the tradition to North America, where it continued to adapt into the Hardanger embroidery we know today. We will be exploring the transitions from early silk and gauze lace to the linen and cotton hardanger embroidery of today. A large selection of hardanger embroidered household linens and clothing will be on display, including visiting the Norwegian Laft Hus’s embroidery collection.

Betty is a third-generation needlework enthusiast who specializes in Hardanger embroidery. After learning the basics from her mother, she began designing and publishing her own Hardanger patterns, which led to the opening of Hardanger House, a retail shop for embroidery supplies and patterns. Now retired, she sells her designs digitally on Etsy.