Photos from Burgandy, France: L’Hôtel-Dieu

Followers of this blog know I have an ongoing fascination with brick stitch embroidery, and used a motif found in Burgundian roof tile as a pattern for one of my embroideries.

Last summer we visited the Burgandy region of France, including the medieval walled city of Beause. Oenophiles are familiar with Beaune (and Burgandy) for its excellent wine. We drank as much of it as we could, and also visited the hospice museum (!).

L’Hôtel-Dieu was founded in 1443 by Nicholas Rolin and his wife Guigone Salins. Rolin was the chancellor of the Duke of Burgandy, and his and his wife's initials are featured in some of the interior artwork. Much of the interior is restored to its original glory, and is well worth a visit. I just wish I was a better photographer.

Interior of the main hospice building, showing the painted ceiling, carved and painted roof supports, a wooden bench, and the painted walls of the altar area (because of course the patient care area is also set up to hold Mass - no excuses for not making it to church!):





Last but not least, one of my favorite parts of the exhibit - a display on the traditional Burgundian roof tile, up close:

My first completed piece of furniture: a medieval stool

The design for this was based on several examples I came across in medieval art. It was my first attempt to make a piece of furniture and my second ever woodworking project. I chose a light finish called "Natural" because this was my first time applying finish and if I did a horrible job I didn't want it to be too obvious. Aside from needing a final rubdown with some steel wool it actually came out OK and it doesn't even wobble! It is all held together with slots on the sides and dowels on the front and top; there are no screws anywhere. Next time I won't be so afraid to use a better (more expensive) wood. I am really excited about making another piece although that will have to wait until I build closet organization for my not-very-big old house closet.

I learned a lot while making this piece. Next time I would be more careful about the scrollwork and not make such acute angles. First of all, not every one was the same; second, the really acute ones were a real pain to sand without contributing anything extra to the look of it. Also, brushing on polyurethane is a real pain. Next time I will try wipe on or spray finish.

Progress on medieval stool

In the last picture I posted the stool pieces were mostly cut out but not assembled. Now the entire thing is assembled and waiting for the glue to dry. Then will be more sanding followed by application of finish. I learned a lot of lessons while making this piece and I suspect I have some more lessons coming as I go to apply my first finish.

Medieval stool

This is my second project in woodworking class. It is a medieval stool based on many I have seen depicted in manuscripts and some extant examples. It is made of poplar, the least expensive hardwood and suitable for a beginning project. It is unfinished but far enough along to see approximately how it will look. It is turning out just how I imagined and I am so excited about it!