‘An Embroiderer’s Story’ is an upcoming exhibition showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of 15 artists and designers working with the embroidery industry.
The exhibition is run by ‘The Bound Collective’, formed by three RSN Hand Embroidery Degree Graduates, Claire de Waard, Livia Papiernik and Rebecca Offredi; who are working to innovate and challenge the art of hand embroidery.
The exhibition will be held from 16-21 January 2025 at the Brixton Department store, and will also feature work from RSN Degree Graduates Beth Cole, Nicola Craggs, Alex Standring, Chloe Rogers, Emily Whitaker and Emily Mason.
RSN Degree Graduate and Lecturer Livia Papiernik says:
Raising the profile of textile and embroidered art has always been a passion of mine. Having gone down an un-conventional route of attending a hand embroidery degree, I saw first hand how many stereotypes and barriers this medium was up against. Breaking those boundaries and showcasing the value and power of embroidery and textile has since then been a key driving factor behind the work I do. When you are in such a niche industry, finding the right people to be by your side who share the same passion as you is so important. Bonding about these aspirations for embroidery with Rebecca and Claire has been such a joy. Bound is a culmination of these ideas and dreams that have been shared and discussed over the years, and we are so excited to finally share it with the world. Our collective BOUND aims to highlight the versatility of embroidery and give a space that values and supports embroiderer’s.
RSN Degree Graduate Rebecca Offredi says:
Since changing my career from banking to embroidery and graduating from the RSN, I was surprised by how often my new career as a hand embroiderer was met with at best curiosity, and at worst derision. I couldn’t help but feel that the same would not be true if I were instead a professional painter or sculptor; this thought path led me to delve into the reasons behind why embroidery and textiles are still viewed as purely craft and are often excluded from the Fine Art conversation. As a largely female dominated practice the exclusion of textiles has a facet of enduring misogyny whilst also struggling to find its place in a changing fast fashion society which no longer places high value on fabrics and embroidery. Whilst this is gradually changing, with increasing amounts of textiles and embroidery emerging within art exhibitions; they are still the rarity and not the norm.
The Bound Collective was forged out of a working relationship and friendship which developed between myself Livia and Claire; we were bound together by a shared passion and love for embroidery and our desire to challenge the notion that textiles do not belong. An embroiderer’s story is a rare opportunity for modern embroidered art to take centre stage at an exhibition whilst displaying the refinement, craftsmanship and artistic integrity expected from fine art.