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Ana Lemos

  • Embroiderer
  • Porto Da Cruz, Portugal
  • Master Artisan
Ana Lemos Embroiderer
Contact
Portuguese
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+351 914236398
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Precious embroiderer hands

  • • Ana is part of a community of embroiderers keeping their island’s tradition alive
  • • She learnt her craft from her mother and grandmother
  • • Her floral garden on Madeira becomes her studio on warm days

Ana was born in Madeira and, like many local women, learnt the island’s traditional embroidery from her family. Her craft constitutes part of Madeira’s historical and cultural identity, and has done since the 19th century when exports increased as European nobility appreciated the finesse and beauty of their pieces. Their exports expanded again in the 20th century when countries further afield, such as the US, discovered their work. “Madeira embroidery requires many preparatory steps from the design to perforating and stamping the drawing on the fabric with blue washable paint but it is our hands that bring soul to the pieces.” After the intricate embroidery stage, the piece is returned to the factory to be cut, washed, ironed and certified by IVBAM Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute as a gauge of authenticity and quality.

Read the full interview

Works

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Table centrepiece

This refined piece is embroidered onto beige linen with light brown cotton thread and is a typical Madeira embroidery cloth used as a decoration on any type of table or other piece of furniture. This kind of piece can be made in different sizes and shapes and its aim is always to embellish the home, to be enjoyed by all family members and passed on to the next generation.

Height 50 cm
Width 150 cm

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Table centrepiece

This delicate piece is embroidered with light brown cotton thread on beige linen. The holes in it are cut after the embroidery work is finished so as to give a very light lace-like and delicate aspect to the piece. The work is very intricate requiring great skill and patience for a perfect finish which enhances the finesse of traditional Madeira embroidery.

Height 55 cm
Width 35 cm

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Table centrepiece

This embroidery was made on white raw linen with white cotton thread. The motif is a generic flower, but inspired by the rich flora that exists on Madeira. Different stiches create relief in the work adding complexity to the piece which is an important and differentiating feature in Madeira embroidery and what makes it greatly appreciated internationally.

Height 100 cm
Width 40 cm

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Hand towel

This delicate and beautiful hand towel is embroidered in different colours on beige raw linen. These towels were typically used on Madeira in bedrooms when there was no bathroom in the houses and no tap water. Today, these towels can be used for many different occasions such as in the guest’s washroom providing a comfortable and beautiful cloth to dry hands that tells the story of Madeiran embroidery.

Height 110 cm
Width 60 cm

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Red table centrepiece decorated with poinsettias

This striking piece was embroidered on red linen with poinsettias, a motif often seen and used during the Christmas period in Madeira. Different pieces can be made with this motif, such as tablecloths, table runners and coasters. On Madeira it is an important decorative element on the dining room tables of families during the end of year festivities – enjoyed by older and younger generations alike.

Diameter 45 cm

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