Last month, our Embroidery Studio worked on the magnificent Hammercloth, which hangs on the royal box at the Royal Albert Hall.

A Hammercloth is a large decorative piece of heavy fabric, often fringed and richly adorned with embroidery, gemstones and cloth of gold. Embroidery work of this Hammercloth was needed in preparation for the Festival of Remembrance hosted by the Royal British Legion at the Royal Albert Hall. This is a commemorative event dedicated to all those that have served and sacrificed from Britain and the Commonwealth. In attendance would be members of the Royal Family, including Their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

The Hammercloth at the Royal Albert Hall was originally embroidered and constructed by the RSN in 1876. The job now was to change the letter ‘E’, denoting Queen Elizabeth II, to the letter ‘C’ for King Charles III in time for his visit.

The Studio embroiderers had to make sure the new letter matched the exact font and the cloth. They began by removing the letter E and preparing the velvet ready for the new motif to be applied. Suitable fabrics and threads were selected from our vast collection of vintage and contemporary supplies, which needed to be sympathetic with the surrounding embroidery and Appliqué. Once applied the new letter C was edged with a hand dyed silk thread and the lining fabric was re-secured. This was the sixth time that the RSN had changed the letter.

The Hammercloth was seen in all its glory on the BBC 1 who broadcast the festival. 

Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 

Royal Albert Hall

RSN Embroidery Studio

Image 1 © Royal Albert Hall