INTERWOVEN COMMUNITIES / SPRANG CONFERENCE

SPRANG / Ancient Woven Textiles, Contemporary Interpretations: from Peru to Japan was a unique and rare exhibition that presented sprang, one of the oldest textile-making techniques, from both a historical perspective and through contemporary interpretations. Sprang is a braiding technique based on a simple principle, known since the Neolithic era, which creates a flexible textile and has an axis of symmetry in both the fabric’s structure and its pattern; the possibilities for variations are virtually endless. With its easily formed three-dimensional shapes, it is also suitable for artistic purposes. With a little care, anyone can master this technique, and a wide variety of everyday objects can be created with its help. Márta Egervári, a textile restoration artist, has been studying the history and production techniques of sprang for years.

Registration: until April 13, 2026, [email protected]; participation is free.

PROGRAM: 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM Márta Egervári (textile restoration artist)

The Most Famous Sprangs

The presentation offers an insight into the basics, methods, and varied forms of the sprang technique; illustrating the most famous pieces that have survived throughout history and been identified in museums with images. It highlights several internationally renowned contemporary researchers and creators, and their diverse works, ranging from utilitarian objects and clothing to public sculptures.

2:25 PM – 2:45 PM Orsolya Zay (historian, archaeologist)

Form from Thread – The History of Weaving Through the Eyes of an Archaeologist

Spinning is one of humanity’s oldest textile-making techniques—yet we tend to forget about it. The lecture demonstrates how this seemingly simple (and today often regarded as “child’s play” ) practice became a fashionable, artisan craft, and how we can still discover in it a rich treasure trove of creative and cultural possibilities today.

14:50 – 15:10 Lilla Erdei T. (ethnographer, lace expert)

Connections between early bobbin lace and sprang

In this presentation, we will learn how the development of bobbin lace can be traced back to the sprang technique, and we will explore the variations of early, braided bobbin lace and the types of objects that have been preserved in the ethnographic culture of the Carpathian Basin.

3:40 PM – 4:00 PM Viola Nemes (lace maker and master weaver)

Sprang, with a twist

As a weaver, she finds it particularly interesting to use the warp threads left on the loom after weaving is finished to create lace, braided, and decorative fabric edges. She not only researches these techniques but also creates lace weaves that she has woven herself, which form a unity with the fabric and highlight its patterns. We will hear about these fringe works and personal experiences during the lecture.

16:05 – 16:25 Orsolya Telekesné Szerényi (weaver, economist)

Woven or braided?

Similarities and differences between sprang and tablet weaving. The presentation offers an interesting comparative analysis of two textile weaving techniques, through which we can explore the pattern possibilities with a geometric repertoire, which Orsolya also illustrates with her own handmade, dazzlingly beautiful woven ribbons. She highlights the difficulties of interpretation caused by the lack of a uniform system of symbols.

4:30 PM – 4:50 PM Éva Túrós (metalwork and lace-making artist)

Silver-woven lace jewelry

She creates these using a unique method she learned in England Éva creates her own beautiful hammered lace jewelry from fine silver wire she produces herself. We can hear about the history and techniques behind them and admire her diverse creations, which also serve as inspiration for sprang wire lace jewelry.

4:50 PM – 5:00 PM Conference closing

From 5:00 PM

Viewing of the Sprang pop-up exhibition

The conference is made possible with the support of the National Cultural Fund, www.nka.hu