UK, Greater London, Royal School of Needlework
The early history of the Royal School of Needlework is linked with the social, cultural and political history of Victorian and Edwardian Britain.
Founded by Lady Victoria Welby, the ‘Royal School of Needlework’ began as the ‘School of Art Needlework’ in 1872 in a small room above a bonnet shop in Sloane Street, London, initially employing 20 ladies, moving in 1903 to a new purpose-built centre on Exhibition Road close to the V&A Museum where, at its peak, the Royal School of Needlework employed around 150 workers.
Based at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, south-west London, the Royal School of Needlework offers a thriving education programme for everyone from beginner to degree level. Their renowned Embroidery Studio creates stunning bespoke embroidery commissions for fashion, art and royalty, as well as expertly restoring and conserving valuable and historical embroidered pieces, restoring historical textiles and bringing heirlooms back to life.