Karólína, the Weaver
Karólína Guðmundsdóttir (1897-1981) learned weaving in Copenhagen, and for several decades she ran a weaving atelier on Ásvallagata in Reykjavík.
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She wove upholstery and curtain fabrics for public bodies, businesses and homes, where the colours and textures harmonised with their surroundings. Her embroidery fabrics were used in school pupils‘ needlework projects for many years, and embroidered wall-hangings and cushions from Karólína‘s atelier adorned many Icelandic homes. She was thus an influence upon Icelanders‘ home furnishings and taste, and in addition her work led people to recognise the fine qualities of Icelandic wool, and changed attitudes to crafts and needlework.
Karólína sat at her loom for over 50 years, initially working on her own, and later as a businesswoman, providing for her family. She also taught needlework, and was chair of the Icelandic Handicrafts Association 1923-27. She had extensive knowledge of the potential of the loom and development of patterns. Her work is characterised by precision, accuracy and a beautiful interplay of colour and pattern; the aesthetic and the practical aspects were equally highly valued. Karólína made high-quality, innovative hand-weaving, in which Icelandic craft traditions were combined with international trends in design and crafts.
