The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum continues the celebration of their 150th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing treasures from the renowned Royal School of Needlework (RSN).
Founded in 1872, the RSN was established to protect and preserve the art form of hand embroidery. It also provided a growing number of gentlewomen a way to earn an income and support themselves for example, if their husbands or fathers had died. With no welfare state or source of funding, these women would have been on the brink of destitution. Today, whilst the school is open to all genders, the mission of keeping hand embroidery alive has not changed.
The new exhibition, Embroidered Excellence, brings together some of the finest examples of embroidery in the RSN’s Collection. Encompassing works from all corners of the world and spanning the last 400 years, it brings an assortment of their finest objects to Stirling, for an exclusive exhibition. Objects on show include a pair of Peranakan slippers, a 17th-century continental European chasuble back, and samplers made at the RSN throughout the 20th century. From Scotland to Singapore, each object is a labour of love and a testament to the skill and creativity of centuries of stitchers.
The Royal School of Needlework is based at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace in London and teaches throughout the UK, including Glasgow. The RSN is open to all levels from beginners to professional courses for anyone seeking a career in hand embroidery. The RSN also offers Embroidery Services at its Studio in Hampton Court Palace, creating beautiful bespoke commissions for the future as well as restoring historical textiles and bringing heirlooms back to life. Projects come from all over the world, including fashion designers, Oscar nominees, places of worship, private individuals and The Royal Family.
Dr Susan Kay Williams, Chief Executive of the RSN said: ‘The Royal School of Needlework is thrilled to have an opportunity to show some of its Collection of embroidered textiles in Stirling. We hope visitors will enjoy seeing the variety of stitch and what it can achieve’.
Caroline Mathers, Director of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the RSN to The Smith for this exciting exhibition as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations’.
