Art Needlework is a late nineteenth century form of free-style embroidery, which became popular in Britain and quickly spread elsewhere. The concept of Art Needlework was developed under the influence of the Pre-Raphaelite artists and the Arts and Crafts Movement. In particular it was associated with the English designer, William Morris and his daughter, May Morris. Art Needlework is characterised by the use of ‘traditional’ (medieval to the eighteenth century) styles of embroidery, emphasising free-hand drawing, delicate shading and the use of vegetable-dyed silk.
