A GIRL'S EDUCATION IN STITCH
Image courtesy of The Royal School of Needlework
In the early days of formal education in the UK, embroidery was the medium through which girls accessed much of their learning. Reading, writing, arithmetic, and even geography were taught through stitch. The Royal Society of Needlework— the international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery— is plundering its unique collection and archive for a new exhibition featuring fascinating 18th and 19th century pieces, from band samplers to map and darning samplers.
Image courtesy of The Royal School of Needlework
Chief Executive of the RSN and curator of the exhibition, Dr Susan Kay-Williams, comments, “Our collection houses a myriad of samplers sewn by children and young adults. The samplers in the exhibition date from the 1730s to the 20th century, including map samplers in which girls learned writing and geography as well as embroidery.”
Exhibition highlights include miniature outfits, from knickers to pinafores, created in the 1900s when dressmaking became part of the curriculum, and work produced through the Needlework Development Scheme.
Image courtesy of The Royal School of Needlework
Held at the RSN’s embroidery studios at Hampton Court Palace, the exhibition will run from 20 July 2022 until March 2023. However, it will only open on a limited number of set days, so pre-booking is essential. The RSN is offering a range of options; from curator tours, with Dr Susan Kay-Williams, to guided tours, and talk and tour combinations. Details are available from the RSN.
In the meantime, London's Fashion and Textile Museum will continue its exhibition relating the remarkable history of the RSN—150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework: Crown to Catwalk—until 4 September.
Image courtesy of The Royal School of Needlework
1 comment
Very interesting. Thanks.