2018

The Royal School of

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is the international centre of excellence for the art of hand and offers a range of courses for beginners through to advanced.

Steeped in history with unrivalled expertise in the techniques of hand embroidery, the RSN has taken this captivating, traditional art and made it relevant today. Students can choose to study Day Classes, a Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery, BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art or the RSN’s Future Tutor programme which creates Tutors for the next generation. The RSN also hosts Embroidery Exhibitions throughout the year.

With over 150 Day Classes taught across different venues around the world, the Royal School of Needlework has something for everyone. Courses range from stunning Gold and Crewelwork to and Silk Shading. Tuition is delivered in small, friendly classes with expert RSN Tutors bringing a wealth of experience, technical knowledge and enthusiasm to each student.

The RSN is based at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace in south west London. In addition, the school teaches across the UK in Exeter, Bristol, Rugby, Durham and Glasgow, and internationally in Ireland, North America and Japan.

The Royal School of Needlework also offers Embroidery Services at its Studio in Hampton Court Palace creating beautiful bespoke commissions for the future as well as restoring historical textiles and bringing heirlooms back to life. Customers come from all over the world, including fashion designers, Oscar nominees, cathedrals, private individuals and the Royal Family. The RSN’s close links with royalty started when it was founded in 1872, and still continue today with Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, as Patron.

As a registered charity, the Royal School of Needlework relies on the generosity of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations to continue teaching its unique and traditional techniques and ensure the skills and passion are passed on to future generations.

For more information on the Royal School of Needlework, please visit royal-needlework.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 3166 6932.

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For further information, images or interviews, please contact: Emma Doggart, External Relations Manager at the Royal School of Needlework e: [email protected] or t: +44 (0)20 3166 6943

Learn with the Royal School of Needlework

Day Classes Whether a complete beginner or with years of experience, the Royal School of Needlework teaches over 150 classes each year, across 6 different venues in the UK. It offers a wide range of inspiring classes in hand embroidery skills from stunning and Silk Shading to traditional Jacobean and Blackwork. Bespoke group classes and private lessons are also available.

Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery The RSN’s Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery (C&D) gives the opportunity to become part of a long tradition of maintaining the highest standard in the beautiful art of hand embroidery. The Certificate concentrates on four core techniques: Jacobean Crewelwork, Silk Shading, Basic Goldwork and either Canvas Stitches or Blackwork. The Diploma develops these skills, taking them to the next level. Additional techniques taught on the Diploma include Appliqué, and Whitework.

The C&D courses offer a flexible structure throughout the academic year. Students can begin the course at any time during the year and choose days that suit them, so perfect for anyone with family or work constraints. There are also intensive courses during the summer which are popular with International Students.

Future Tutors Programme – the RSN’s Teacher Training Course If teaching embroidery and passing on your passion in needlework to the next generation sounds like the perfect career opportunity, the RSN’s Future Tutors programme is for you. Designed for men and women who want a career in teaching hand embroidery to the highest standard, this three year full- time course at Hampton Court Palace is the RSN’s own professional qualification and includes a teaching qualification to City & Guilds Level 3.

Students learn technical skills in a wide variety of hand embroidery techniques, teaching theory as well as practical and commercial experience. No previous experience is necessary. Students just need creativity, application and plenty of enthusiasm!

Royal School of Needlework Degree Course The Royal School of Needlework teaches the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art which is validated by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). This is the only Degree in hand embroidery in Europe. Students immerse themselves in contemporary and traditional hand embroidery practice and explore creative approaches to research, utilising the RSN’s specialist art library and Textile Collection.

Taught by expert practitioners, the course features live projects with fashion houses, designers and galleries and takes place in dedicated apartments at Hampton Court Palace.

For further information visit royal-needlework.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 3166 6932.

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For further information, please contact: Emma Doggart, External Relations Manager at the Royal School of Needlework e: [email protected] or t: +44 (0)20 3166 6943

The History of the Royal School of Needlework

Founded in 1872, the principles of the Royal School of Needlework(RSN) were two- fold: to revive a beautiful art form which had fallen into disuse and, through its revival, to provide employment for educated women who, without a suitable livelihood, would otherwise find themselves compelled to live in poverty.

The RSN began operating in a small room above a bonnet shop in Sloane Street, London, initially employing 20 ladies. The school grew and by 1903 the RSN was able to open a new purpose-built centre on Exhibition Road, close to the V&A Museum, employing around 150 workers. The Royal School of Needlework moved to Hampton Court Palace in 1987 and now teaches over 1500 students each year.

The Royal School of Needlework has an exceptionally rich history. Here is a selection of just some of the most memorable dates showcasing their unparalleled experience in the art of hand embroidery.

1872 The School of was founded by Lady Victoria Welby and its first President was Princess Helena, Queen Victoria’s daughter

1875 Received its royal prefix when Queen Victoria became the first Patron

1880 Published the Handbook of Embroidery (re-published 2010) – a key influence in the art of needlework through many different generations and eras, and still in publication today.

1901 Made Queen Victoria’s funeral pall, described as ‘a labour of love’ by Princess Helena

1902 Made Coronation regalia for Edward VII

1910 Made Coronation regalia for King George V

1914-18 Taught returning soldiers how to stitch as an active therapy

1923 Duchess of York succeeds Princess Helena as President

1940 Designed badges for all the British regiments and later allied forces for transfers to be worked by men and women during the Second World War

1940-45 Principal, Lady Smith Dorrien collected to be sold for the war effort

1953 Made the Robe of State for Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II for which the RSN was awarded a Coronation medal

1966 Made the to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

1969-1974 Created the : 34 panels depicting the events of D Day, now at the D Day Museum in Portsmouth

1981 Embroidered slippers for HRH The Prince of Wales and a monogrammed lace pillow for Lady Diana Spencer on the occasion of their wedding

1984 Made the current version of the Lord Chancellor’s Purse in which is carried the Queen’s Speech for the State Opening of Parliament

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1997 Embroidered new stage curtains for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

2002 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became Patron of the RSN

2002 Created the balcony hanging at Buckingham Palace for Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee

2002 Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Broderers, the RSN created a new woolsack to carry the ceremonial mace for the Royal Hospital Chelsea

2002 Embroidered the official logo for the FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea

2004 Created an altar frontal for the nave of Canterbury Cathedral

2006 Embroidered Sir Paul McCartney’s Ecce Cor Meum album cover

2010 Conserved an altar frontal made by Princess Alexandra and her daughters in the 1880s for the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace

2011 Conserved the Te Deum Altar Frontal and Canon Carpenter’s Cope for Salisbury Cathedral

2011 Worked for Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen on HRH The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress

2013 Embroidered the Red Carpet Green Dress worn by actress Naomie Harris at the 2013 Oscars

2013 Embroidered a crest for Savoir Beds bespoke ‘Royal Bed’ using Silk Shading or ‘painting with a needle’

2014 RSN Studio embroidered and embellished wedding dress designed by the late L’Wren Scott for Stylist JoJo Cohen

2015 Collaboration with Nicholas Oakwell Couture. Hand embellishment for a couture dress for Erin O’Connor and designed exclusively for GREAT Britain Campaign

2015 RSN Embroidery Studio worked with artist Cornelia Parker on Magna Carta (An Embroidery) in celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta

2016 Created epic 6m x 4m embroidery for one of the world’s biggest TV shows, Game of Thrones

2017 Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, becomes Patron

2017 RSN Embroidery Studio collaborated with Neo POP artist Philip Colbert for London Craft Week

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For further information, images or interviews, please contact: Emma Doggart, External Relations Manager at the Royal School of Needlework e: [email protected] or t: +44 (0)20 3166 6943

Fascinating Facts about the Royal School of Needlework

 Founded in 1872, the RSN will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022.

 Royal Patrons have been Queen Victoria, The Queen Mother, Her Majesty The Queen and currently HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

 In one academic year, over 1,500 students attend our courses worldwide

 In 1953, the RSN made the Robe of State for Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II which resulted in being awarded a Coronation medal

 In 2011, the RSN worked for Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen to create the bespoke lace on the wedding dress, veil and shoes of Kate Middleton, now HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

 The RSN is home to an amazing 60,000 unique and priceless embroidery pieces capturing the passion for embroidery throughout history

 The Royal School of Needlework offers the only Hand Embroidery Degree Programme in Europe mixing tradition with contemporary arts and fashion

 The RSN worked with designer Nicholas Oakwell to create the one-off ‘GREAT British Dress’ comprising 90 metres of silk organza and 200,000 dyed ostrich feathers. The dress was worn by X Factor judge Cheryl at the Final of the UK X Factor 2015

 The RSN Handbook, originally published in 1880, is still in circulation and continues to be an encyclopaedia of stitches taught at the school

 After WW1 the school taught returning soldiers how to stitch as an active therapy

 The specialist RSN Embroidery Services Studio is based at Hampton Court Palace where all work is hand embroidered in England by RSN Graduates

 In 1997, the RSN embroidered the stage curtains for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

 Created the balcony hanging at Buckingham Palace for Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002

 The RSN moved to the magnificent Hampton Court Palace in 1987

 The RSN regularly holds exhibitions at Hampton Court Palace and around the UK, featuring pieces from its unique textile collection. Visit our latest exhibition, Animals in Embroidery, showcasing a ‘parade’ of over 100 different hand embroidery animals. This exhibition is open until December 2018.

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For further information, images or interviews please contact: Emma Doggart, External Relations Manager at the Royal School of Needlework e: [email protected] or t: +44 (0)20 3166 6943