Wednesday 30 September, 11-4.30 p.m.: Tour and Workshop with the Royal School of Needlework

Royal School of Needlework, 12a Hampton Court Road, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom

Royal School of Needlework is an internationally renowned centre for the art of hand embroidery, founded in 1872 and based at Hampton Court Palace. Dedicated to preserving and promoting the highest standards of embroidery craftsmanship, the RSN offers an extensive programme of education for all levels, from beginners to degree-level study and professional training.

Alongside its educational work, the RSN Embroidery Studio undertakes prestigious commissions and conservation projects for clients including royalty, fashion houses, museums, interior designers and private individuals. Through its teaching, studio practice and public programmes, the RSN continues to champion hand embroidery as both a traditional craft and a contemporary art form. The RSN also hosts exhibitions, talks, tours and events throughout the year, celebrating the rich history, technical excellence and creative future of embroidery.

Event Description
Join the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace for an exclusive London Textile Month experience combining a behind-the-scenes studio tour with an afternoon workshop exploring contemporary embellishment and couture embroidery techniques.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m with a guided visit to the RSN Embroidery Studio, offering rare insight into the extraordinary range of work undertaken by the Studio team. Visitors will discover projects spanning historic textile conservation, royal and ceremonial embroidery, contemporary fashion collaborations and bespoke commissions, while learning more about the techniques, materials and craftsmanship involved in professional hand embroidery practice.

Following the tour, at 1:30 p.m, participants will take part in a collaborative workshop between the RSN and textile artist Charlotte Gaunt. Combining innovative foil embellishment with traditional couture embroidery techniques, the session invites participants to work onto luxury silk using heat-applied foil to create luminous metallic surfaces before embellishing their pieces with metal threads and delicate gold beads.

Guided by RSN tutors and Charlotte Gaunt, participants will explore the dialogue between heritage embroidery techniques and contemporary textile experimentation, creating a richly embellished textile sample to take away.

All materials and equipment are provided.

Studio Tour: 11:00am – 12:00pm

Workshop: 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Event Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. However, if you let us know that you are unable to attend an event you have booked at least two weeks before the event, we will open up your place. If we find another participant, you will be offered a credit note.

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