Tag Archives: Plique-à-jour

Bog Bodies and Enamel Works

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Archaeology has a deep rooted attraction for me, one that led me to a degree with a specialization in archaeology. I’ve worked as a salvage archaeologist, conservator, cataloger, and site cartographer. The intricacies of an archaeological site fascinates me, but what really gets me excited are material artifacts like beads, dress accessories, and fabric. Usually there is little, or no, remains of fabric. But the “bog bodies” are a notable exception.

One of my students came across a fascinating report. One bog body found in 1867 was on display in Orkney for 83 years before it was studied. In the last decade the hood from that find was recreated using period weaving techniques. The recreated garment is stunning. Oh, it holds a personal interest for me since my husband’s persona is from Orkney! You can see the study by Jacqui Wood’ on the Orkney Hood in PDF format.

My thanks to Eleanor Morgan for the reference.

I had the rare opportunity to meet a long time friend, Sandra Bradshaw, in Sedona, AZ. Sandy is one of a handful of enamelists in the US who is skilled at the technique of plique a jour. The effect is incredible – her art is like miniature stained glass! I’ve made an exception to my rule of only carrying my own work in my shop. Sandy gave me the singular opportunity to carry a small selection of her award-winning enamels. So, I’m excited to tell you that I have a small number if historically inspired sterling silver and plique a jour crosses. http://www.the-treasury.org/EirnyStore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=108 These crosses are individually hand soldered and then enameled.

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