The RSN Collections Blog contains articles pertaining to the Royal School of Needlework’s Collection and Archive. These articles offer deeper dives and more in-depth analyses of specific items held by the RSN. Be sure to check back for more articles coming soon!
Flowers in 18th-Century Embroidery
Go back in time to learn about the role of flowers in embroidered objects throughout the 18th century with RSN Collections volunteer Sophie Leathart as she uses her expert flower knowledge to chart how trends changed over the course of decades. This blog post illustrates how garden styles, floristry, and stitch were affected by the shift from Baroque to Rococo and focuses on five items from the RSN Collection.
Isabel Elliott’s Embroidered Alphabet Box
Learn more about a 34-part object, an embroidered alphabet box, completed by Dr Isabel Elliott in 2007. The suite of embroidered objects is an encyclopaedia of hundreds of stitches, a teaching aid, and an illustration of one woman’s astonishing embroidery skills.
Glass Bead Embroidery in 1920s Fashion
Step into the dazzling world of the Royal School of Needlework’s archives with Belle Riou, as she unveils the enchanting story behind a 1920s flapper dress adorned with glass beads.
Discover how this iconic piece reflects the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age, where innovation, societal shifts, and the rise of electric lighting converged to redefine fashion and nightlife. Join us as we delve into a glittering era of exuberance and self-expression, captured in every stitch of this timeless garment.
Autographomania in Edwardian Oxford
Explore the captivating tale behind an Edwardian embroidered tablecloth in the RSN Collection with RSN volunteer Jo Morris. This signature tablecloth, with its more than 215 signatures, illustrates through stitch a network of family, friends, and celebrities in Oxford, London, and much further afield.
From an American opera singer to an Irish peer and a Breton folk singer, each signature holds a unique story, offering a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. This blog post sheds light on the cultural phenomenon of autograph hunting and the vibrant personalities who left their mark on this exceptional survival.