We are delighted to share that two RSN Degree Graduates were selected for The CHANEL & King’s Foundation Métiers d’art Fellowship in Partnership with Le19M.
Read about RSN Degree Graduate Imogen Marmont’s experience on the Fellowship:
‘The CHANEL & King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Fellowship in Partnership with Le19M is based at Highgrove Traditional Crafts, as well as trips to Le19M in Paris.
The programme is split into three stages with the first week in Paris in Le19M. We were fortunate enough to be given guided tours around the ateliers, Montex and Lemarié and Lesage as well as a visit each ateliers archives. The fellowship focuses on hand embroidery and beading skills, during our first week we were having training at Ecole Lesage. We went on to complete both level one and two back at the alter in Highgrove receiving tuition from expert embroidery tutors.
The start of our brief consisted of a visit to Windsor castle where we had the opportunity to use the resources of the Royal collections to start are inspiration. I was attracted to the Royal armour known as Greenwich armour style. As well as guided drawing tours around Highgrove Gardens. Drawn to the acrobatic, inquisitive colourful bluetits during the tours. I was inspired to combine the winter bird’s movement and royal armour to create the illusion of protection and movement in my practice.
During stage two we had two trips to Le19M. The cohort was selected to go into different ateliers. Myself and Alice went to Lesage. This was an incredible week as we gained real life insight into the professional work of the embroidery practice, in Paris. Including guided tours around the atelier where we acquired a deeper understanding of the creative process and production. We were also very fortunate to have a detailed session in the Lesage archives and access to the atelier’s extensive material supplies and stock rooms, where we sourced our materials for are projects. During the two trips we were given advice and feedback from the creative director about our projects as well further mentorship back at Highgrove by some of the leading expects in the field of couture embroidery.
The final stage of the programme, I focused on refinement looking back at my embroidery samples and drawings, creating a series of visualisations. Producing a material key as well as digital stitch plans. My final piece consists of a sleeve, incorporating a range of materials and tambour embroidery techniques. In addition to the embellished sleeve, I have added a pauldron contrasting the light elegant movement I have produced in the feathers to create a sense of protection and deep movement influenced by my research into armour. To add further contrast I have added horsehair using it in different ways to bring my work to life. A material I have worked with in my previous practices.
To be part of the The Métiers d’Art Partnership, Embroidery programme has been a once in a lifetime experience. The programme and allowed me to challenge and embrace my creativity and knowledge further, preparing myself for industry. A very special part of this journey was to be able to work every day in a creative space with five other talented embroiderers. Feeling extremely privileged to have been mentored by highly skilled professionals gaining industry contacts that will allow all of us to carry on the next chapters of our embroidery careers.’
Images Credits: Oliver Holmes
Images Credits: Ana Clark