Sometimes I fall down a research rabbit hole, yet despite my efforts, a mystery remains. But sometimes research lands in my lap, or in the case this week, in my email inbox. You may remember the story of Frida Hansen’s rediscovered tapestry – an amazing find! But the mystery was not completely solved. Where had it been since public references ceased and it was likely bought by the final owner, around 2010? Read about some new information here: “Frida Hansen’s Southward: More Provenance Puzzle Pieces are in Place.”

An auction listing tells us where the tapestry was from 1930-1961…

The upcoming issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter continues the focus on Finland, with articles on two of the best-known Finnish tapestry weavers, Aino Kajaniemi and Inka Kivalo, and a double article on the cultural history and the meaning of symbols in traditional Finnish ryijys.  It will also include an article on the Norwegian VikingGull (Viking Gold) project, when fabric based on Viking textile fragments was examined and recreated as commercial yardage. The story includes contemporary fashion and a reality TV show. There will be a recap of the ribbon-winning entries at this year’s Annual Exhibition of Weaving in the Norwegian Tradition at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, a review of a new Danish knitting book, and more! Watch for the issue late this month.

In the meantime, here is an early peek at the “Nordic Notes” column – “Nordic Notes: November 2022.” I wish I could travel to Trondheim this month to see this exhibit, “Kari Steihaug – Potetbøtta og parfymen [Kari Steihaug: Potato Buckets and Perfume].”

Photo taken from the Dropsgallieret website.

Happy Thanksgiving! Expect the new issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter that weekend.

Robbie LaFleur