Needle & Thread
March 14 – July 27, 2025

 The major spring exhibition “Needle & Thread – Craft in Art” highlights the working hands in some of the finest works of Danish art from the 19th century to today.

At a time when many are turning to handicrafts such as knitting, crocheting, and embroidery, it is relevant to delve into these artworks, which, across time, place, and materials, explore the intersection of art, handicraft, and craftwork.

The exhibition features older paintings by C.W. Eckersberg, Michael and Anna Ancher, depicting men and women engaged in handicrafts across different social classes. These are displayed alongside works by some of the country’s foremost textile artists, including Ragna Braase, Anna Thommesen, and Inge Bjørn.

It is worth noting that woven works, in particular, have historically not enjoyed the same access to museum walls as other artworks. They have been regarded as handicrafts and, therefore, not considered refined enough for museum collections. However, this perception is changing, and today, an increasing number of contemporary artists are working with needle and thread, yarn, and weaving in various ways.

This is evident in the exhibition through Adam Christensen’s transparent patchwork quilt (2021), Gudrun Hasle’s feminist embroideries (2022), and Olivia Rode Hvass’ woven tapestry, acquired by the museum in 2024.

One of the most prominent pieces in the exhibition is the newly created portrait of H.M. Queen Margrethe II embroidering (2023-24), painted by Allan Otte. The work is the first portrait of the Queen after her abdication and is privately owned by Her Majesty. It will be on display at Sorø Art Museum from the exhibition’s opening until June 15, 2025.

Participating Artists

C.W. Eckersberg (1783-1873), Anna Ancher (1859-1935), Michael Ancher (1849-1927), Harald Giersing (1881-1927), Karoline Ebbesen (1852-1936), Franka Rasmussen (1907-1994), Anna Thommesen (1908-2004), Ragna Braase (1929-2013), Inge Bjørn (b. 1925), Annette Holdensen (1934-2023), Trine Søndergaard (b. 1972), Allan Otte (b. 1978), Gudrun Hasle (b. 1979), Adam Christensen (b. 1979), Hannah Toticki (b. 1984), Olivia Rode Hvass (b. 1995), and many more.

Opening in Sorø

“Needle & Thread – Craft in Art” opens at Sorø Art Museum on Thursday, March 13, from 5:00-6:30 PM, where everyone is warmly welcome. The opening speech will be delivered by Mette Wendelboe Okkels, the founder of the successful knitting pattern company PetiteKnit.

The exhibition is produced by Kunstmuseum Brandts in Odense. Sorø Art Museum has adapted it to its space and added a few new works. The exhibition concludes its tour at Vendsyssel Art Museum in the fall.

Trine Søndergaard, Hovedtøj #57

Installation views from Needle & Thread – Craft in Art at Sorø Kunstmuseum