Kate Pankhurst
Following a successful career as a graphic designer, Kate wanted to pursue an art form full of integrity and creativity. The discovery of the Royal School of Needlework and hand embroidery delivered on that desire. Kate graduated from the RSN Future Tutors Programme in 2021, gaining a Distinction. Her embroidery talent on the course was recognised and supported by The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust.
Kate was awarded first place in the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery 2021 (Textile Art Student category) for her whimsical timepiece Lockdown O’Clock, as well as the Worshipful Company of Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers Associate Award 2021 for the best use of the goldwork embroidery technique. Kate was also a Textile Art Open category finalist in 2023 for her embroidered goldfish “ Fancy Free”. Previously she won the RSN Innovative Teaching Award in 2021 and the RSN Wendy Hogg Prize for Mounting 2019.
Kate teaches in-person and online classes for the RSN including original kits, the Certificate & Diploma, Summer intensives and the Future Tutors. She also runs her own business teaching online, residential courses for embroidery groups, and commissions for individual clients.
As well as an article in Stitch Magazine, Kate’s work has been exhibited widely including the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, The Bargehouse at OXO Tower Wharf, the RSN 150th Anniversary exhibition at The Fashion & Textile Museum, and the GSWD 400th Anniversary at the Guildhall.
In 2023, Kate was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework who worked on a number of items for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including The Queen’s Robe of Estate and the Anointing Screen.