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V&A Members enjoy free and unlimited entry to all exhibitions, a sought-after programme of Members' events, use of our Members' Rooms, at least 10% off in V&A shops, and much more.
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English Embroidery
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Step into the intricate world of English embroidery, where centuries-old techniques and modern styles combine to create beautiful art. This course covers embroidery styles from the Medieval period through to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement, with historical insights and a closer look at outstanding examples in the V&A collections.
From the moment you enrol on a V&A on-demand course, you get 12 months' access to every stunning video lecture to rewatch as often as you like, plus plenty of additional learning materials, yours to keep. Find out more: https://www.vandacourses.com/faqs
Already purchased the course? Sign back in to access it.
From the moment you enrol on a V&A on-demand course, you get 12 months' access to every stunning video lecture to rewatch as often as you like, plus plenty of additional learning materials, yours to keep. Find out more: https://www.vandacourses.com/faqs
Already purchased the course? Sign back in to access it.
Course leader
Jennifer Wearden
In the 28 years Jennifer worked with the Museum’s Textile Collection she curated a V&A exhibition called The European Art of Textiles and authored several V&A publications including Samplers, Ottoman Embroidery, Oriental Carpets and Iranian Textiles. More recently, she has been delivering sold-out courses on the history of fashion and textiles.
I love the online courses. Often I get a better view of objects or pictures than I would if I visited the museum, and online is so convenient. Always they are of high quality, interesting, stimulating and inspiring. V&A Academy learner
Course overview
This course covers:
- The Bayeux Tapestry and the role of embroidery as visual communication
- The Bayeux Tapestry and the role of embroidery as visual communication
- Opulent religious vestments and their symbolism
- The aftermath of the Black Death on medieval embroidery
- Elizabethan splendour, Mary Queen of Scots and a treasonous plot
- Time, patience, and an eye for colour: the rise of domestic embroidery
- The social history of embroidery: Upholders, silkwomen and needle painters
- William Morris, the British Art Nouveau and art embroidery
- A closer look at examples from the V&A collections and their stories
V&A on-demand gives you instant access to beautiful courses
Our courses bring the rigour of the V&A's experts together with the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits you. The simple and intuitive platform lets you focus on the joy of learning something new, while your support powers the V&A's vital work.
Enrol now
Online course: English Embroidery
31 October 2026 - 12 November 2026
£45.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
