Embroidery

Found on everything from stockings and nightgowns to wedding dresses and wall hangings, embroidery has been used to decorate textiles for over a thousand years. From cross-stitch to underside couching, our collection includes examples of embroidery techniques from across the world, by skilled professionals and amateurs alike.

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Embroidery designs by William Morris are represented alongside exquisite examples of medieval opus anglicanum, 17th century caskets and modern masterpieces of couture by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior.

Features

Header image: Waistcoat with blackwork embroidery, maker unknown, 1620 – 25, England. Museum no. T.4-1935. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London