We are delighted to be teaching at Northern Ireland’s royal residence, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for the first time.  As part of the Linen Biennale 2023, the RSN will be teaching two hand embroidery classes, inspired by royal historic outfits, on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August.

You can choose to learn Goldwork – the traditional technique used in Coronation Robes – and embroider a design inspired by the 1937 Coronation Robe of Estate worn by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, consort of King George VI.   Alternatively, you can stitch a beautiful foliage design of leaves and berries, inspired by a Georgian waistcoat from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Historic Royal Palaces.

Not only will students be able to immerse themselves in embroidery for the day and learn these wonderful traditional techniques, but they will also enjoy free entry to the glorious gardens at Hillsborough and the recently opened Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition – a unique collection of Royal photography spanning the last 200 years.

Each class costs £160 and runs from 10am – 4pm.  Entry to the gardens and photography exhibition at Hillsborough Castle are included in the class cost.   To book your place on the RSN Class, please visit our website.

The Royal School of Needlework has embroidered several pieces for the Royal Family including for the Coronation of King Charles III and the wedding dress of Kate Middleton, now HRH The Princess of Wales.

Join the RSN at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Hillsborough Castle is the official residence in Northern Ireland of the British monarch and other members of the British royal family when they visit the region.  It is located in the village of Royal Hillsborough in the north-west of County Down.  www.hrp.org.uk

The Linen Biennale Northern Ireland is an initiative of R-Space Gallery, Lisburn. It presents a full programme of events, initiatives, and community outreach running from August – October that celebrate the heritage, and future of linen and flax on this Island. The 2023 Biennale is supported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Full program and further information: www.linenbiennalenorthernireland.com