The Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo features a rose-filed transparent tapestry designed by Julie (Jullik) Gulbrandsen (1876 – 1950). Gulbrandsen was a student of Frida Hansen and wove in her workshop from 1897-1904. She designed patterns for Den Norske Husflidsforening [the Norwegian Handcraft Association] and had her own weaving studio.
In 2024 I had the privilege to visit a private home in Oslo with two sets of curtains woven in wool open warp transparency technique. The owners didn’t know the designer(s) of the tapestry panels. Here is a rose-filled pair, pulled out from behind a table so we could examine them fully.
The panels are very similar, almost like the “find the differences” puzzles in magazines. Looking closely at the left-hand panel, I noticed two birds—none appear in the one on the right. I’ve seen those birds, I thought.
The bird in the panel and the bird in the Nasjonalmuseet transparency by Jullik Gulbrandsen are clearly the same design. And some of the leaves and flowers around the birds, especially around the back of the bird, are the same.
Here are a few details from the rose curtains, for us to admire.
These transparencies have likely been in place for more than a century. As the owner moved the well-loved curtain for a better view of the design, a few warp threads from the edge fell to the floor. She scooped them into her hand to discard them. “No, wait! May I have them?” I asked. It was like treasure to examine. The warp was a three-ply yarn, with two brownish threads and one green one. The combined colors make a rich background in the open warp areas.
I find it so rewarding to find bits of information about historical transparent tapestries and to find new admirers for them. So, hello Jullik, across the years–your roses are beautiful.