I went to an embroidery class last Friday, hosted by the Royal School of Needlework at the Fashion & Textile Museum. The workshop had been arranged to mark the 150th anniversary of the RSN and the accompanying exhibition, 150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework: Crown to Catwalk. While I was at the workshop, I had a chance to take a look around the exhibition.
In 1872, the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) was founded on two key principles – the first, the preservation of hand embroidery as an art form and the second, the support of women’s independence through work. Many aspects of this artform were in danger of being lost, and the School aimed to preserve them.
Particularly in its early days, the School undertook commissions for members of the Royal Family, often working continuously for hours to complete work on time. Some of this work is on display here, testament to the ability and tenacity of the School’s members.
The exhibition also contains examples of work students have produced over time, ranging from classic and religious symbolism to more modern images inspired by books or popular culture. The works encompass many techniques including blackwork, gold embroidery and Jacobean crewel work.
Many of the items on display were made by current members of the RSN, including Kate Pankhurst’s beautiful Tudor box. I could have spent hours looking at the incredibly detailed stitching on display. One of my favourite items was the Red Dress Project – a dress that has been around the world and embroidered by women in 29 different countries.
The exhibition is a must-see for anyone remotely interested in the art of embroidery. It is simply breathtaking.