If you would like the opportunity to see more of the RSN’s unique Collection, we open our doors on selected dates throughout the year to showcase some of the items.

Our current Stories in Stitch Exhibition at Hampton Court Palace has been extended until August.  At the historic heart of the exhibition there are six 17th century pieces in Stumpwork when this technique was at its most popular.

We are hosting special Curator’s Tours which include a short lecture by our Chief Executive & Curator, Dr Susan Kay-Williams; the opportunity to view further items from the Collection, rarely seen by the public; and a tour of the exhibition. A Curator’s Tour lasts for 2 hours and the next scheduled Tours are on Saturday 8 April at 10.30am and 2pm.  The Curator’s Tour costs £22 per person.  To book click here or contact Natalie Thew by email or call +44(0)2 3166 6939.

On 17 May, 21 June and 6 July, there will be a series of themed RSN Collection Study Days  presented by Dr Clare Rose who is an international expert in the history of fashion.  Dr Rose is the Senior Lecturer in Contextual Studies on the RSN Degree Course and also lectures on the History of Fashion at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.   The topics will be Embroidery & Embellishment in Fashion (17 May and 6 July) and Underwear (21 June).

Each Study Day will include an introductory lecture and sessions examining selected examples from the Collection at close quarters. There will be opportunity for discussion and for sharing information on textiles research and collections with Clare Rose. Unfortunately we are unable to provide valulations.

Each Study Day costs £45 and runs from 10.30am – 3pm at Hampton Court Palace.

For bookings please click here or contact Natalie Thew by email or call +44(0)2 3166 6939.