Jeffrey Eng

Guardian of threads

• Jeffrey has sewed since he was a young child
• He is a collector of embroideries that are over a century old
• He is the third generation of red banner makers

Jeffrey Eng, is a third-generation owner of Eng Tiang Huat, a business named after his grandfather, based in a beautiful shophouse in Geylang area, where opera costumes, tapestries and antique embroideries are being repaired and sold alongside musical instruments and other cultural objects that form the basis of Chinese traditions. Immersed in the environment since he was a child, Jeffrey learned from his grandfather and father by watching them for hours, standing quietly and – while they were gone for a few minutes – trying out their techniques. One of his passions is to repair damaged embroidered textiles. To Jeffrey, patience, meticulous work and respect are essential to a qualitative artisanal work. It is a reflection of how things were done in the old days, and though it might not be the most efficient or profitable, it is certainly the most genuine.

Interview

©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

Why did you choose this craft?

Growing up in the shophouse surrounded by all the products felt fun as a child. Gradually the fun became a hobby. When I was in primary school I choose sewing as a ECA program. I sewed a soft toy duck and won a price in a competition.

In what way is your craft linked to the territory?

In a multi-racial community in Singapore, there is a festival almost every month. In Chinese culture, textiles and tapestries are auspicious. For example, an embroidery cloth or banner hung in the halls or red banners at entrances announce a “happy” event.

How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?

A lot of what we see today is copied from the past. We are still making embroidery, just now we use computerised machines where in the past we used our hands. Every stitch from the past was made by a human hand, an embroiderer knew every missed stich. That provides the “life” and character to that piece of work, we need to be careful to remember the value in that.

Can you tell us a memorable moment in your professional life?

A man brought a damaged old embroidery banner from his grandmother for me to repair. The edge was torn, tassels damaged, some threads broken, there were even some insect bitten holes, I was able to transform the piece to its former glory. When he saw it, he cried – it was so precious to him.

Jeffrey Eng is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1981

Works

Nicky Loh ©Michelangelo Foundation

Nicky Loh ©Michelangelo Foundation

Nicky Loh ©Michelangelo Foundation

Nicky Loh ©Michelangelo Foundation

Nicky Loh ©Michelangelo Foundation

Where