At the end of July, we hosted our Degree Graduate Ceremony at Hampton Court Palace Gardens, celebrating the wonderful achievements of our 2021 Graduates. This month we shine a Spotlight on more of our BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery Degree Graduates 2021. Read about the inspiration behind their Final Major Projects (FMP) and their future goals.

Cassandra Poad’s ‘The Cornish Landscape’ collection is inspired by her growing up on a working Cornish Dairy Farm. The focus of her work is on animals, flora, and the land, ‘snapshot narratives of individual animals or plants within their homes, as well as her own home. Cassandra’s work is a creative marriage between traditional embroidery and textile techniques using a rich colour palette. Cassandra’s designs are depicted with embroidery on various interior furnishings, from an upcycled and renovated footstool, to everyday items like cushions.  Cassandra’s Instagram.

Eliza Mara’s FMP, entitled ‘LV-1079’, is the postcode of her neighbourhood in Riga, Latvia, Eliza’s home. During her time in London, Eliza grew to appreciate her Soviet heritage so she researched the Soviet phenomenon of ‘block housing’, and how it has shaped current Latvian society, especially for her generation who has grown up in a free and independent Latvia. She says, “The love I have grown for block buildings, Soviet architecture and my little neighbourhood is unmeasurable.”  Eliza’s Instagram.

Georgie Pike used the idea of spirituality to tap into the importance of considerate textiles; by embroidering onto vintage clothes to extend their life, in her FMP ‘Enlightenment’. The garments are original 1960s vintage dresses which encapsulate the style of the era, and the embroidery patterns on the dresses are almost psychedelic which echoes the revolutionary attitude of the 60s. ‘Enlightenment’ was influenced by Georgie’s personal spiritual practice, using a process called ‘intuitive art’. Georgie’s Instagram.

Kate Scorey created ‘a sacred object’ by hand, for her FMP, ‘Orchids for Olympia’. Inspired by the wedding attire of Princess Olympia of Denmark and Greece, Kate’s work demonstrates, highlights and signifies important elements of the wearer’s story, a wedding garment with a multifaceted purpose. There are layers of embroidery including beads, sequins and Goldwork, with an embroidered and beaded groom’s waistcoat.  Kate’s Instagram.

Lauren Cheetham’s FMP, ‘My Mother Julia’, explores the relationship between sexuality, fashion and especially lingerie, specialising in lingerie for the LGBT+ community.  Lauren’s Instagram.

Olivia Kent’s FMP, ‘When I Grow Up’, is a collection of bespoke pieces combining kitsch and cowboys, using colour to make her happy. As a Native American, Olivia hopes to find a market in Nashville.  Olivia’s Instagram.

Enjoy exploring the 2021 Graduates’ Final Major Projects where they explain the inspiration behind their work. We hope that you will follow them on Instagram to see how their careers develop and give them your support in the future.

A huge congratulations to all of our 2021 Degree Graduates and we look forward to meeting our new 1st years joining us this September! If you would like to learn more about our BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery Degree please attend an Open Day.  We are hosting Open Days online and at Hampton Court Palace.

Our next Open Day at Hampton Court Palace is on Wednesday 6 October at 2pm.  View all dates and book your place here