Hand & Lock Prize 2018

On the 15th November, the eighteenth Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize will be held at the historic Bishopsgate Institute. It is an opportunity to meet skilled embroidery designers from all over the world and see their final designs. As an official sponsor of the event, Selvedge magazine will also have a stall that visitors can see. Furthermore, every guest can have a say in which of the designs are crowned winners in both the Open and Student categories, before the winners are announced and awards are given.

Hand & Lock has over 250 years of experience embellishing, embroidering and monogramming garments for the Royal family, the military and fashion houses including Dior, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. The history of Hand & Lock can be traced back to 1767 when a young Huguenot refugee from France named M. Hand came to London and began manufacturing and selling lace to military tailors. Later he incorporated the design and manufacture of military badges and uniform accoutrements.

In 1956, Stanley Lock took over and renamed it S. Lock & Co. The newly formed embroidery house went on to work with couturiers such as Christian Dior, Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies on gowns for the Queen, Queen Mother and later, Princess Diana. The annual Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery was established in 2000 to give new designers, interested in embroidery, the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain vital exposure and experience. 

Last year's prize winners included Stav Ofman, Elena Thornton and Ami Waring - all of whom have gone on to produce dazzling textile and fashion collections. We are looking forward to seeing who will be recognised this year and hope to see many of you also at the event.

Hand & Lock Embroidery Prize 2018, Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London EXC2M 4QH. Thursday 15th November 2018.