The RSN Embroidery Studio has been very busy this year with their latest challenge, to hand embroider two large hangings for the Katie Paterson Studio. Entitled ‘Evergreen,’ the pieces were inspired by a May Morris hanging based on the ‘Tree of Life’. This design comprised over 350 extinct plants, taken from botanical drawings.

The embroidery was worked in a small range of surface stitches, using a variety of black threads on a linen twill fabric. The stitches included Stem Stitch, Straight Stitch, French Knots and Pistol Stitch, and there was a wide range of plant styles, from simple and clean to flowery and fluffy.

When transferring the design onto the fabric, only the main important lines were transferred. This has meant that our amazing talented Studio Embroiderers had to stitch free hand, or ‘free styling’, which they nick named the process!

Due to delays in receiving the design and our team being hit by Covid, the Embroidery Studio had a limited time to stitch the piece, but our expert team put their heart and soul into this in order to meet the deadline. One of the hangings is now finished and can be found at the Ingleby Gallery in Edinburgh. The second hanging is nearly ready and, once completed, will go to Norway.

You can find out more about ‘Evergreen’ on Katie Paterson’s website. Click here.

The RSN Embroidery Studio is based at Hampton Court Palace and all work is done Onsite. The Studio is usually closed to the public, but for one day on Friday 13 May the team will open their doors as part of the Artisan Festival. So if you are visiting the Festival or the Palace on that day, please come and see our team in action. Book your tickets to the festival here.

If you would like to enquire about a restoration and conservation project or new commission, please email: [email protected]