We are delighted to share that our two third year Future Tutor Programme students, Lucy May and Eve Commander, will graduate from the programme this July, and will have some of their work on display at Hampton Court Palace in a free exhibition.  

“It feels almost surreal to be graduating from the Future Tutor Programme after three intense years of learning, creating, and juggling family life. 

From mastering historic techniques like Jacobean Crewelwork and Whitework, to creating a Goldwork tribute to Madonna’s corset – and even a fully equipped vampire-hunting box – it’s been a challenging and rewarding journey. Highlights include winning the Mr X Stitch Student Needlework Prize for my Blackwork portrait ‘Handsome Devil’, and coming Runner-Up in the National Embroidery Awards for my suffragette-inspired piece ‘Offence’. 

This final year has been especially rewarding, working in the RSN Embroidery Studio alongside the talented professional embroiderers who taught and inspired us – women of remarkable talent and generosity. 

I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as an artist and teacher – starting with my ‘Memento Mori’ Pin Cushion, my first class as a fully qualified RSN Tutor at Hampton Court Palace this August!” 

– Lucy May 

“The last three years on the Future Tutor Programme have been an absolute whirlwind. It’s been an intense period of technical learning and creative output, as well as physically demanding too! 

I’ve really enjoyed learning historical techniques and creating a wide range of pieces, from a Goldwork space scene to an Appliqué of my hometown of Birmingham. 

I have learned so much from the extraordinarily skilled embroiderers who have taught me each technique, shared their expertise in the RSN Embroidery studio and I have been able to assist on the RSN’s Day Classes.  

I’ve also enjoyed teaching workshops at the Knitting and Stitching Shows in Harrogate and London and I hope I’ll do more teaching, after we finish in June.  

In the meantime, I am delighted to have the chance to exhibit my embroidery alongside RSN Apprentice and Future Tutor alumni in ‘Hand Stitched Heritage’ at the Royal West of England Academy this May and June. If you told me before the programme I’d have work exhibited in a gallery, I wouldn’t have believed you.” 

 – Eve Commander  

You can see Lucy and Eve’s work on display at the Future Tutors Graduate Show from Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 July, from 11am to 4pm, in the RSN Embroidery Studio; the work will be displayed alongside the RSN Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery Graduates’ work. 

You can enter the exhibition free of charge via the Palace gardens and through the RSN Shop located on the East Front Gardens. If you wish to tour the Palace during your visit, a ticket will need to be purchased separately. 

You can watch the Graduation Ceremony and Awards by tuning in to our Instagram Livestream at 11am on Monday 1 July, to see Lucy and Eve graduate.  

 Make sure to follow @royalneedlework on Instagram to watch live! 

We are so proud of everything Lucy and Eve have achieved over the past three years, and we can’t wait to see what they go on to next!  

Follow Lucy May on Instagram 

Follow Eve Commander on Instagram