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Global Embroidery: A Hands-On History
Short course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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 all over the globe. In this six-week embroidery course you’ll dive into a different culture and technique each week to gain a deeper understanding of the history of each embroidery style followed by a practical hands-on session with a skilled practitioner.
Through lectures, discussions and object-handling you’ll get first hand access to some of the most beautiful examples in our collections guided by our expert curators. Join us to unpick the reconstructions of 16th century Blackwork embroidery, journey to Japan to discover the sophisticated techniques used to pattern kimono and Fukusa before immersing yourself in the richness of contemporary Mexican textiles among others.
V&A Academy
Course contributors
Toni Buckby, Rachel Dedman, Anna Jackson, Ekta Kaul, Dr Alexandra Makin, Midori Matsushima, Chloe Sayer, Lizzy Vartanian, Jennifer Wearden
I couldn’t pick a favourite week. I learnt something from every session Previous Academy Student
Course overview
Week One: Blackwork Embroidery
This session will explore the stylistic development and application of Blackwork embroidery, using numerous examples of Blackwork embroidery in the portrait record as a guide.
This session will explore the stylistic development and application of Blackwork embroidery, using numerous examples of Blackwork embroidery in the portrait record as a guide.
Week Two: Japanese Embroidery
This session will give participants a chance to view the embroidery used to pattern kimono and Fukusa (gift covers) in the V&A collection.
This session will give participants a chance to view the embroidery used to pattern kimono and Fukusa (gift covers) in the V&A collection.
Week Three: Opus Anglicanum
This session will give you a taster of what it was like to create the famous Opus Anglicanum embroidery technique using silk embroidery and gold metal threads.
This session will give you a taster of what it was like to create the famous Opus Anglicanum embroidery technique using silk embroidery and gold metal threads.
Week Four: Mexican Embroidery
This is a cultural hand embroidery workshop, exploring the rich heritage of Yucatan-Mexican traditional embroideries.
This is a cultural hand embroidery workshop, exploring the rich heritage of Yucatan-Mexican traditional embroideries.
Week Five: Kantha Stitching
Discover Kantha stitching with award winning artist Ekta Kaul.
Discover Kantha stitching with award winning artist Ekta Kaul.
Week Six: Palestinian Embroidery
This session will focus on the most popular Palestinian “Fallahi" stitch, allowing participants to design and create their own work inspired by traditional Palestinian embroidery motifs.
This session will focus on the most popular Palestinian “Fallahi" stitch, allowing participants to design and create their own work inspired by traditional Palestinian embroidery motifs.
Booking Information
Membership Priority Booking opens at 10.00 GMT on Wednesday 31 January. General Booking opens at 10.00 GMT on Monday 12 February.
Enrol now
Short course: Global Embroidery: A Hands-On History
3 May 2024 - 7 June 2024
£600.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
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)
Related events
Header image: Sampler, Encarnacion castellanos, 1850, Mexico, Bequeathed by A.F Kendrick, Museum no.T.92-1954