The RSN Graduation Show exhibition for our BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art course opens to the public on Thursday 8th June until Saturday 17th June.

The summer RSN Graduation Show features final project work from our graduating degree students. This course is the only specialist degree programme in hand embroidery. It is validated by University for the Creative Arts. This three year, full time programme of study allows students to build their own personal practice centred on their knowledge of the traditional techniques of hand embroidery. The course has enabled graduates to build their careers as freelance practitioners for couture fashion and luxury interiors; to be textile artists and designer makers working in their own studio or develop careers as studio embroiderers for film costume. Our graduates hone their practice in the art of hand embroidery. This is a specialised portfolio of skills which sets them apart from their peers.

The RSN Graduation Show is held at our studio apartments at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) at Hampton Court Palace. During your visit you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique educational setting that is the Royal School of Needlework. Maybe you too will be inspired to book a day class or short course with us to start your own journey into stitch?

This showcase event is a great opportunity for you to view the extraordinary breadth of hand embroidered works created by RSN Degree students. RSN Studio Project Manager, Sara Meanwell, has featured our current and graduating students work in her most recent blog post. We are super excited to be featured by Sara and hope that this glimpse into the diversity of hand embroidery practice, inspires you to come and visit us.

Due to our wonderful location at Hampton Court Palace, we do ask that you pre-book your time and date to visit. The Graduation Show is open on two booking slots per day – 10am and 2pm. Please indicate at the time of booking which time slot and date you wish to visit. We will also need to know the names of all of your party in advance. This information helps us to ensure that you have time to enjoy and view the work on show.

Please note that the Graduation Show will be closed to the public on Sunday 11th June and Tuesday 13th June.

The Graduation Show offers visitors the chance to spot the creative talent of the future.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of the Royal School of Needlework, visited us on 22 November for the first time since taking over the patronage from Her Majesty The Queen in January 2017.  The Duchess of Cornwall visited our base at Hampton Court Palace with The Duchess of Gloucester, President of the Royal School of Needlework.

The Duchess of Cornwall received a short tutorial in hand embroidery learning the traditional technique of Jacobean Crewelwork. RSN Tutor Jacqui McDonald said: “I taught The Duchess of Cornwall Fly Stitch which is one of the stitches used in Jacobean Crewelwork and the first technique we teach our Certificate & Diploma students. Her Royal Highness was a quick learner and would make a natural stitcher! I very much hope she returns soon for a full lesson.”

The royal visitors enjoyed a tour of our Education Department, Embroidery Studio and the current exhibition, ‘Embellishment in Fashion’. Their Royal Highnesses also met with staff, volunteers and students from our different courses, including our Degree programme.

Eleanor Latham, 2^nd Year Student on the RSN’s Degree in Hand Embroidery in Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art met The Duchess of Cornwall: “We talked about my work and the colour scheme I had chosen which matched her outfit! It was such a fantastic opportunity to meet a member of the Royal Family.”

Devvrut Patel; 2^nd Year Degree Student: “I explained what had influenced me to join the course and study hand embroidery. It was surreal to meet her because she is such an icon!

Megan Foxlow, 2^nd Year Degree Student: “At first I was really nervous but The Duchess of Gloucester talked so passionately about needlework and my work that she really put me at ease. I talked to her about the tassel making I had been working on and The Duchess was really interested in the techniques I had used.”

Abigail Noronha, 2^nd Year Degree Student: “The Duchess of Cornwall commented on how lovely it must be to study at Hampton Court Palace and she was really interested in how we experiment with different fabrics as part of the Degree Course.”

Theresa Bailey 2^nd Year Degree Student: “I am from Indiana and The Duchess of Gloucester and I talked about the different embroidery shops in the states. I also met The Duchess of Cornwall and we spoke about the wonderful view from my desk of Hampton Court Palace garden. She said just like Needlework it looks calming and very impressive!”