Our History

The RSN Embroidery Studio was founded in 1872 as the School of Art Needlework, with the aim of preserving the art of hand embroidery and providing ‘suitable employment’ for gentlewomen who were ‘obliged to earn their own livelihood.’ 

The Handbook of Embroidery was published by the RSN in 1880 with a cover designed by Selwyn Image.

Although founded originally for secular embroidery, in 1881 the RSN Embroidery Studio began to take on ecclesiastical commissions such as altar frontals and vestments.

Nellie Whichelo worked in the RSN Embroidery Studio from 1879 to 1939, mostly as a designer in the paint room.

45 embroiderers from the RSN Embroidery Studio worked for 21 continuous hours to create the pall for Queen Victoria's funeral.
Image: Illustrated London News, 2 February 1901

The RSN Embroidery Studio produced a number of items for the coronation of George V and Mary, including an altar dorsal for Westminster Abbey 

From 1969 to 1974 the RSN Embroidery Studio produced the Overlord Embroidery to mark the events of D-Day. The embroidery consists of 34 panels and is 83m long. It was commissioned by Lord Dulverton and designed by Sandra Lawrence.

We worked on the curtains and pelmet of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden after its refit in 1997-98.

Working with Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, our embroiderers created the bespoke lace on the wedding dress, veil and shoes.

We worked the winning design of Suzy Amis Cameron’s Eco-Fashion Campaign ‘Red Carpet Green Dress’. The ‘Lava Dress’ was worn by actress Naomie Harris and unveiled at the 2013 Oscar Academy Awards ‘red carpet’.

We produced a full pontifical set for Buckfast Abbey to celebrate their millennium. A pontifical set consists of a cope, chasuble, dalmatics, stoles, maniples, chalice, veils and a burse.

The RSN Embroidery Studio joined forces with Jay Blades, the face of the hit BBC One Show The Repair Shop, to breathe new life into two iconic chairs.

This large wall hanging was embroidered for the artist Katie Paterson. The work, entitled Evergreen, reflects the style of the arts and crafts movement and depicts every extinct flowering plant.