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Gisella Tamagno

A Life Dedicated to Thread Arts


Professional Journey in Embroidery

For over thirty years, Gisella Tamagno has taught embroidery, dedicating her career to researching and documenting the traditional techniques of the Piedmont Region. Her expertise is further reflected in the monographs she has authored, each focusing on the intricate details and deep cultural heritage of local embroidery practices.


Leadership and Advocacy

Currently serving as vice president of the Corporazione delle Arti, the national Italian professional association for Thread Arts teachers, Gisella supports the certification of teaching quality and advocates for the official recognition of Thread Arts. Her efforts extend to promoting these arts within school curricula and therapeutic programs, helping ensure their place in both educational and wellness settings.


Connections and Collaboration

Throughout her career, Gisella has met many embroiderers from across the world. One such meaningful connection was with Olga Anikeeva, a St. Petersburg native residing in Budapest, who facilitated the partnership between the Corporazione delle Arti and Embroydica. Gisella attributes this meeting to the magnetic nature of shared passion; those devoted to the thread arts are naturally drawn together, and her enthusiasm for embroidery continues to drive her contributions to this vibrant community.


Musical and Artistic Background

Born in Turin in 1963, Gisella graduated from the Conservatory as a violinist. Her musical journey began at fifteen, launching her into a dynamic concert career that crossed genres—from chamber and contemporary music to opera and symphonic performances. She has played in ensembles and orchestras throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia, and Australia, and between 1983 and 2023, she taught at the Istituto Musicale Pareggiato di Aosta-Conservatoire de la Vallée d’Aoste.


The Path to Embroidery

Embroidery and lacemaking have been lifelong passions for Gisella, beginning at the age of five with lessons from her family and continuing through specialized studies and collaborations with artists. Over time, her dedication to thread arts has grown from a hobby into a second career, rivaling her commitment to music.


Teaching and Creative Practice

Since 1995, Gisella has focused on research, teaching, and promoting Thread Arts. She organizes exhibitions, conferences, publishes books, and leads courses, all with the goal of passing on the knowledge and modern relevance of these ancient techniques. Her creations span furnishings, clothing, and jewellery, with every aspect—from design to execution—personally overseen. While she remains deeply invested in Piedmont traditions, her curiosity encompasses all embroidery techniques.

Her love for the craft is shared by her pets, who frequently surround her as she works, a familiar sight documented across her social media profiles.


Published Works

Gisella has written several books to share her expertise:

  • My Bandera: This publication explores the history, technique, imagery, and patterns of Piedmont’s elegant Bandera embroidery, offering readers a comprehensive guide to its appreciation and execution.

  • Bricco and Cavandoli: Two Needlepoint Tales: The first book dedicated to two Piedmont techniques developed for humanitarian purposes between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

  • My Crewel (with Anna Bosa): A practical manual describing an ancient technique, rich in diverse stitches and unique designs.

  • Contributor to Sfilato Siciliano by Giovanna Gurrieri Attanasio.

Social Media

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