Thursday 9 February 2017, 5:30pm – 7pm, Te Papa, Wellington
Alison Larkin is an award winning embroiderer from Hull, England, who explores history through her needle and thread. In 2015 Alison received the Janet Arnold award for costume research from the Society of Antiquaries of London to visit Australia and New Zealand to study three waistcoats associated with Captain James Cook, including one in Te Papa’s collection and one embroidered by Cook’s wife, Elizabeth.
Alison is visiting New Zealand again this February, and will present an illustrated talk on her findings at Te Papa. In her lecture she will focus in particular on Elizabeth Cook whose embroidery reflected the travels of her adventurous husband. Elizabeth traced her husband’s voyages in stitch on a map sampler, and was embroidering a waistcoat made from tapa cloth that Cook had bought back from his voyage to Tahiti, when she heard the news of his shocking death.
Alison has patiently re-created these two pieces, both of which have been exhibited at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby, England. Through the process of recreation she has discovered much about these two inspiring historical figures, Georgian dress, embroidery and fabrics.

Alison Larkin’s replica of Captain Cook’s waistcoat on display at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby, 2015. Photo courtesy of Alison Larkin.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to view items from Te Papa’s collection.
Book your place through the Friends of Te Papa.
For more information on Alison Larkin’s Cook project visit Te Papa’s blog.
Alison will also be speaking in Auckland:
The Auckland Embroiderers’ Guild is pleased to advise we have arranged for Alison Larkin to talk at our February meeting, and would like to invite you to join us.
February Saturday 18th, 1pm, followed by Guild meeting and afternoon tea.
Meet at The Textile Arts Centre, 25 Poronui St, Mt Eden. (This is the meeting rooms for the Handweavers and Spinners Guild)