Troja - wall hanging - Ingrid Plum (IP)

Troja - wall hanging - Ingrid Plum (IP)

"Troja" (Troy) - wall hanging - Ingrid Plum (IP) is an embroidery kit with a striking motif of repeated horse heads. The horses are arranged closely together in staggered rows, forming a continuous pattern in several shades of blue.
The name Troy gives the motif an additional narrative dimension. It brings to mind the ancient city of Troy and the famous story of the Trojan War. The horse plays a particularly important role through the legend of the Trojan Horse.
The motif is not a direct depiction of the famous wooden horse. Instead, the many horse heads can be seen as a free reference to the stories of Troy. The historical name therefore adds a layer of myth and cultural history to the graphic horse motif.
The embroidery is stitched with Danish Flower Thread on Haandarbejdets Fremme linen 10B. The finished wall hanging measures 36 x 29 cm.

Troy, the horse and the ancient story

Troy was an ancient city in the area that is now north-western Turkey. The city is particularly well known through the stories of the Trojan War and the epic world of Homer.
In later accounts of the war, the Trojan Horse became one of its most famous symbols. According to legend, Greek warriors hid inside a large wooden horse, which the Trojans brought within the city walls. The horse thus became a decisive element in the story of the fall of Troy.
As Ingrid Plum’s wall hanging bears the name Troy, the connection to the horse is therefore a natural one. The many repeated horse heads may evoke associations with both the famous legend and the horse’s prominent place in the imagery of the ancient world.
At the same time, the motif stands entirely on its own as a decorative embroidery. The historical story remains as an additional reference behind the graphic pattern.

Horse heads in rhythmic rows

The motif consists of a whole group of horse heads. They all face the same direction and are repeated throughout the design in staggered rows.
Each head is built up with a long curved neck, defined muzzle, ear and a small dark eye. Relatively few lines are used, yet the shape remains clear and recognisable.
The horses are positioned closely together. Their necks and heads visually overlap from row to row, so the motif almost becomes one continuous patterned surface.
It is precisely the repetition that gives the wall hanging its distinctive character. From a distance, you first notice the rhythm. When viewed more closely, the individual horses emerge.

Blue shades create depth

The colour palette is concentrated around shades of blue. Some horses are outlined in darker blue lines, while others appear in lighter blue and blue-grey tones.
The colour changes separate the individual figures and create depth between the rows. The small dark eyes become distinctive points within the otherwise light motif.
The light linen background remains visible within the shapes of the horses. This keeps the embroidery airy, even though almost the entire picture surface is filled with figures.
The combination of a light background and blue outlines gives the wall hanging a calm expression. At the same time, the many repetitions add energy and movement.

From a herd of horses to a graphic pattern

Troy is not built around a single horse. The herd and the repetition are at the centre of the design.
The same form appears again and again, but the rows are staggered. This encourages the eye to move through the motif and almost creates the impression of a herd in motion.
In this way, the design sits between figure and ornament. The horses are clearly recognisable, but together they also form a geometric and textile pattern.
The finished wall hanging measures 36 x 29 cm. The format provides space for the many repetitions and makes the motif striking without feeling heavy.

Danish Flower Thread on linen 10B

The embroidery is stitched with Danish Flower Thread. The matte surface of the thread suits the different blue tones and supports the motif’s calm colour palette.
The fabric is Haandarbejdets Fremme linen 10B. The linen structure provides a fine base for the many outlines and allows the light background to remain an active part of the design.
The project consists largely of lines rather than large filled areas. This provides a different stitching experience from a densely covered motif.

Ingrid Plum and Haandarbejdets Fremme

With Troy, Ingrid Plum has created a motif where a simple horse shape is repeated to form a strong graphic pattern. At the same time, the title opens up a historical and mythical association with Troy and the famous story of the Trojan Horse.
This makes the wall hanging interesting on several levels. It can be viewed as a horse motif, a textile pattern or as a modern embroidered reference to a story from antiquity.
Haandarbejdets Fremme is known for embroidery kits with fine materials and designs with a clear visual language. Troy - wall hanging - Ingrid Plum (IP) is an embroidery kit for those who love horses, history and graphic cross stitch in shades of blue.