AT its May meeting, Worcester branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild gave a warm welcome to Ruth Smith on her return visit to disclose The Folded Secrets Story.

Researching the history behind the folded books of the Miao villages of China, which she demonstrated at her last visit, Ruth has now learned that these books – containing 20 or more beautifully decorated twisted folded pockets – are also used in Morocco, Japan, west Africa, as well as by the Dong villages in China.

Made from hand-made paper by the elderly women of the village, the books are often passed from mother to daughter and used to store silks for the extremely fine embroidery and paper patterns.

They frequently include a family photograph which can help with dating the book.

So far, unfortunately, she has been unable to go further back than the 1950s, having to rely on living memory as traditionally nothing was written down.

Now, sadly, the art is dying out as new modern methods of storage are being used.

As the meeting closed, Ruth was surrounded by members and visitors eager to examine the many samples of both old and new folded books on display.

Eve Finney will enlarge on The History of Boutis at the next meeting of the guild on Tuesday, June 7, at the Friends Meeting House, Sansome Place, Worcester, WR1 1UG. We welcome visitors and new members.

For further information, please contact Jacky Shail by calling 01684 311722.

WENDY STIFF