Quilling history. History of Quilling

Quilling is a very popular kind of needlework. With the help of this technique, you can make a huge number of postcards, pictures, caskets and other interesting things. The history of creating quilling goes back to the distant past. And let a lot of things have changed in this technique, but there remained sophistication and charm, not inferior to those that were peculiar to the products of long gone centuries.

What is quilling

The history of the appearance of quilling is very interesting and multifaceted. The word itself has English roots and in translation means "bird feather". And this is not accidental. "Bricks", which with the help of this technique are made of paper, in shape similar to the feathers of birds. It is also known that medieval monks, who were among the first to create quilling figurines, twisted strips of paper with the help of a bird's feather.

The name of this art is far from alone. Quilling is also called paper-knitting.

The history of the appearance of quilling: the way to Europe

Filigree processing of paper was known even in Ancient Egypt, whose inhabitants used papyrus to make figurines. In the 16th century, this art appeared in Europe. In particular, French and Italian monks crafted small crafts with the help of quilling techniques , and then they were decorated and framed by icons. This was a cheap alternative to gold and silver filigree. Also this technique was used in the creation of medallions and pendants. Perhaps it was the strong influence of the church that was influenced by the fact that the history of quilling in these countries was associated more with cultural events than with hobbies.

Having reached England, quilling became very popular among representatives of noble families. At that time, the cost of paper, especially color and high-quality, was very high, so this kind of needlework was the subject of passion for women only from the upper strata of society.

Later in many European countries magazines were published, which described in detail the process of creating various gizmos using this technique, for example, frames for paintings, boxes for tea, boxes, baskets. The history of quilling was really in full swing. The facts of the organization of the present training courses on paper circulation in the most elite educational institutions are known. Even some crowned people were fond of this art. In particular, daughter of George II, Elizabeth, spent hours trying to create intricate paper masterpieces. One day she presented her doctor with an unusual gift in the form of a screen, made in the technique of quilling. A little later, other well-known personalities appreciated this paper art. They, for example, were fond of Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra, Jane Austen and Sisters Bronte.

Quilling in North America

The colonizers "brought" quilling to North America. There, in the first half of the XIX century, it not only earned its popularity as arts and crafts, but also began to be used by cabinetmakers. They used quilling in the manufacture of boxes and caskets, in which they made insert walls, decorated with quilling elements. This unusual treatment was called "mosaic".

Oblivion

At the end of the XIX century, the popularity of quilling went on to decline, almost to the uttermost oblivion. Only a few ladies of that time were addicted to it, thus filling their free time. At the very beginning of the twentieth century, this style was almost forgotten, in order to revive in modern times.

Modern history of quilling technology

A few years later, the Princess of England, Elizabeth, revived the quilling. She was carried away by this hobby. And, so to speak, she gave the same example to others. Many of Elizabeth's works became exhibits of London museums.

Fans of quilling are all over the world. For example, in England in 1983 lovers of this art created a real corporation "Quilling Union of England", where a resident of any country and continent can write a letter to get advice or to hear the expert's opinion about his new masterpiece. At the initiative of the members of this union in 1992, the first International Quilling Festival was organized. Within the framework of this event, a lot of exhibitions were organized, where it was possible to see old products and modern creations created by paper-rolling.

Two large exhibitions were held on quilling. The first of them was held in London in 1927. And the second half a century later, in 1988 in New York. In the halls of the gallery Florian-Papp exhibited for sale truly masterpieces made on this technique.

Contribution of Korea to the development of quilling

As in the case of origami, the quilling technique was perfected in Asian countries, specifically in Korea. The creations of European masters of this style did not have such a large-scale character as Korean ones. They were the first to create figures of high complexity and incredible beauty. Yes, the history of quilling did not begin in Korea, but it was there from a modest hobby that this technique turned into an art form. In South Korea, the "Association of Paper Plastic Lovers" operates , which unites the followers of various areas of paper creativity.

It should be noted that in the Korean school of quilling a few other canons and traditions than in the European. The works of European masters are mostly made from a small number of details; They are very laconic, similar to mosaics, are an ornament for postcards and frames. Europe is always in a hurry, so she prefers fast techniques. Masters of the East, on the contrary, are careful in everything. They create things that resemble masterpieces of jewelry art. In their works there is a feeling of luxury and delight. In them, like volumetric laces, threads from hundreds of the smallest details are weaved.

The history of the origin of quilling is told only in chronicles and historical essays, because to this day there are very few medieval masterpieces. The reason for this is the fragility and fragility of the paper. Of course, now the quality of paper has increased several times, which makes it possible to create with the help of quilling and filigree volumetric supports, and vases for sweets, and much more. I would like to hope that the history of quilling will continue, and in the future the masters will learn to create even more interesting masterpieces from paper.