While walking from the garden at Parham House towards the house itself I spotted a sign about a needlework exhibition. So we headed in to take a look. I’d never heard of Bargello work before, so didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a riot of colour, all beautifully worked to coordinate with either a flower, a piece of fabric, or an aspect of a picture within the house.

Inspired by tulips in Parham Garden

Framed Bargello needlework in purple and gold zigzag, inspired by tulips in Parham Garden

Inspired by tulips in Parham Garden

Framed Bargello needlework in orange, red and yellow flame stitch, inspired by tulips in Parham Garden

Inspired by a portrait of Susan Villiers

Framed Bargello needlework in purple, gold and white zigzag, inspired by a portrait of Susan Villiers

Inspired by James II’s saddle

Framed Bargello needlework in deep red, gold and grey diamond pattern, inspired by James II's saddle

This piece I think is the odd one out, as it isn’t clear what it responded to, but I rather liked it anyway. There were a few pieces like this pinned out unmounted, along with a piece still in progress that my friend, who is partially sighted, could pick up and look at more closely without blocking anyone else’s access to the wall mounted pieces.

Unmounted Bargello needlework pinned out, grey and blue cross pattern on canvas