Frida Hansen’s missing 1903 tapestry, Sørover (Southward) is found! 

Each issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter introduces readers to many textiles they may not have seen. But this is the first time an issue introduces a tapestry that almost no one has seen in 91 years. You are among the first people to ever see a color photograph of this monumental tapestry. Read: “A Missing Frida Hansen Tapestry Rediscovered.”

Frida Hansen. Southward (Sørover), 1903. 11’3″ x 10’3″. Photo: Peter Pap

Nearly 120 years of dust was washed from Southward in January. Read “Finding Frida Hansen’s Colors Again: Cleaning Southward.” 

Frida Hansen (1855-1931) was an entrepreneur, a crucial figure in the revival of Norwegian weaving, teacher, designer, and internationally recognized fine artist. Read “Frida Hansen: A Brief Biography.”

Southward was exhibited at least 15 times from 1905-1931 and its beauty was praised in  contemporary newspaper accounts. Read “Southward on Display.”

Delve into Southward details with some close-up photos and discussion. Read “Close Encounters with Frida Hansen’s Swans and Maidens.”

The Nordic News & Notes column is filled with presentations and courses you can enjoy at home. However, I noticed that Melba Granlund is teaching a wonderful class,”Rya Weaving on a Tabletop Warp-Weighted Loom,” in person, at both North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN, and at Vesterheim Folk Art School in Decorah, Iowa. I highly recommend both locations, for the facilities, the camaraderie, and the excellent instruction! If you can make the trip, you should take at least one class in each of these venues in your life.