Our new intimate exhibition, Divine and Mythical Creatures from the RSN Collection & Archive, showcases fantastical pieces from Royal School of Needlework’s Collection & Archive with a focus on imaginary earthly and celestial beings, both human and animal. Objects on display span multiple centuries and continents, illustrating everything from dragons to heraldic beasts and ancient gods and goddesses.
The display is situated in one of our Embroidery Studios at Hampton Court Palace and will run from 24 September 2025 to June 2026. Bookings start from £25 per person.
RSN Curator of Textiles, Dr Isabella Rosner says: ‘When we think of embroidery we often think about embellishing and rendering with thread the world we see around us, but so much of needlework throughout history has focused on embroidering the imaginary and making the fictional real. This desire to depict fantastical creatures has spanned continents and centuries, allowing us to track creatures like angels and unicorns around the world through stitch’.
RSN Curator of Designs and Archives, Vicky Bevan says, ‘Embroidery designs from pattern to art embroidery have often taken mythical and divine creatures as their subject, a way to express meaning and fashion. Subjects such as unicorns, gods, goddesses, angels, and demons can be seen in devotional designs, in the domestic interior and in heraldry. From the shining scales of a dragon to the golden wings of an angel, designers at the Royal School of Needlework have been no exception, borrowing from a variety of myths and legends to create beautiful designs for a variety of objects and occasions’.
RSN Talks with a Private View are offered to a maximum of 15 visitors per session.
Curator Talk & Private View
The Curator Talk & Private View begins with an illustrated lecture by one of our curators who will reveal in-depth information about the RSN Collection and why they chose the objects on display as well as relaying some of the fascinating stories and facts about them.
They will also provide historical context and background about the Royal School of Needlework. After this you will have the opportunity to examine exhibits in close detail with the curator and your volunteer guide.
The Curator Talk & Private View events cost £35 per person and last for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please note that backless, folded chairs are available for seating.
Talk & Private View
Our Talk & Private View begins with an illustrated lecture from an RSN staff member. The presentation will give you in-depth information about the exhibition as well as background information on the Royal School of Needlework.
After your talk, you will be able to view objects on display with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides.
The Talk & Private View events cost £25 per person and last for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please note that backless folded chairs are available for seating.
Group Talk & Private View
The Group Talk & Private View begins with an illustrated lecture from an RSN staff member. The presentation will give you in-depth information about the exhibition as well as background information on the Royal School of Needlework.
After your talk, you will be able to view objects on display with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides.
The Group Talk & Private View events are for groups of 2 to 15 people, last for 1 hour and 30 minutes and cost £375. Please note that backless, folded chairs are available for seating.
We do not issue tickets for our events and you do not need paid entrance to Hampton Court Palace to attend them, but please note that if you also wish to visit HCP, tickets must be purchased separately. RSN visitors will be met at the HCP Security/Reception 15 minutes before each event. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Please see further important joining details HERE