Image: Chinese Rank Badge from RSN Textile Collection (c) RSN

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) will be opening a new embroidery exhibition at Hampton Court Palace on 29 April. Celebrating stitch around the world, this latest display, called Stitch is International, will feature hand stitched pieces from the RSN’s unique Textiles Collection. 

Showcasing a rich range of embellished objects, the exhibition includes textiles from Europe, Turkey, the Arab world, Indian sub-continent, China, Japan, North and South America. Embroidery is an art form which has been used throughout the world and throughout history as expressions of high art, folk art and cultural identity. From Guatemalan Huipil designs and a Japanese kimono to Turkish towels and Indian Goldwork, Stitch is International will be a diverse display of stitches, colours, textures and fashions. 

Image: Chinese Rank Badge from RSN Textile Collection (c) RSN.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework said: “This exhibition will demonstrate the shared aspects of embroidery - the same stitches worked in different countries and in different patterns, but all part of a shared experience of embellishment. Teaching the diversity of needlework to new generations is at the heart of our core purpose. The exhibition may even trigger the introduction of lost or forgotten stitches to the RSN Stitch Bank - our new world directory resource of stitch that we are currently compiling online. The RSN Stitch Bank will include video, written instructions, illustrations and photographs of each stitch, making it an invaluable source of information for all stitchers.” 

The exhibition runs until 2 December. Talk & Tours of Stitch is International start from £16 per person and pre-booking is essential. There are different Tour options including, Talk & Tour, Curator’s Tour, Tour & Taster embroidery workshop and Family Stitch Workshop. Group Tours are also available. 

Image: Turkish towel edging 19th century, RSN Collection (c) RSN.

The Royal School of Needlework is the international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery, offering a range of courses for beginners through to advanced. The RSN teaches at Hampton Court Palace, Bristol, Rugby, Birmingham, Lancaster, Durham and Glasgow, and internationally in North America and Japan.

For more information and to book visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk.