Featured image: work by Libbertine Vale (Graduate 2018 and Scholar 2019)
KNITTING AND STITCHING SHOWS:
ALEXANDRA PALACE OCTOBER 5TH –0CTOBER 8TH 2023
ROYAL HALL HARROGATE NOVEMBER 16TH-NOVEMBER 19TH 2023.
It is now one year on from our very successful retrospective exhibition at The KSS Alexandra Palace and Harrogate in 2023.
‘The opportunities that the Embroiderers Guild has given me cannot be underestimated; my work is different, sometimes political’ and quite ‘marmite’ to some members, so I understand that the E.G. took a chance on me. I cannot thank them enough. it is an honour to both promote and be part of the EG. The name has prestige, it is recognised by those outside the stitching world and thus has given me an ‘edge’ that will go on and help support my career further.’
Libbertine Vale
We celebrated over 30 artists work by exhibiting a piece of their current work and recording their journey, by looking back at their achievements in a book which was very successful too. Many visitors who had met them and seen their graduation exhibitions over the years found it fascinating to talk to them again and see where their careers had taken them.
We were honoured to have a visit from our Patron, The Duchess of Gloucester who spent over one hour meeting the Trustees, the Artists and Graduates of 2023. We presented her with a copy of ‘Showcase-30 years of Embroiderers’ Guild Graduate and Scholar Showcase and thanked Anna Baptiste of ’Immediate Love ‘ for her continued generosity an support.
Many had had a restricted knowledge about the variety of careers that were available in the embroidery world-this exhibition showcased many.
Graduate 2022
The vast majority were teaching and freelancing with a string of exhibitions behind them others had carved out very specific pathways working in Fashion (Accessories, Lingerie, wedding products, couture etc) Theatre, Interiors, 3D, Some have been engaged by the EG to give talks, demonstrations and workshops which have been very well received
Examples of a huge range different techniques in hand, machine and digital embroidery were all here, realising innovative ideas and groundbreaking themes
Graduate 2019
‘The opportunity to exhibit at Alexandra Palace and Harrogate has been an amazing experience for me. I sold a considerable amount of work, which gave me the impetus to start my own business. Talking to the public helped me to develop my work in new ways and I have gained an enormous number of contacts. .I have also really enjoyed and benefitted from meeting other young embroiderers who have encouraged me and helped me to make my work more saleable. The Embroiderers’ Guild have been enormously supportive throughout.’
Elle
It was so heart-warming to see that there were so many artist/ designers who had benefitted from our education system in the UK and who had carved an important niche for themselves in recent years. We congratulate them for their vision and tenacity. A strength to continue doing what they love in what has been a very difficult time
Many are waving the flag of creativity to inspire the next generation and with great generosity are passing their knowledge on to produce beautiful meaningful art and /or gorgeous artifacts
The future is safe in their hands
The Embroiderers’ Guild spent two years trying to contact as many Graduates and Scholars as they could. If only we could have reached more. We will endeavour to continue to support these amazing young people in the years to come
Scholar 2009
Graduate 1997
“I make sense of the world through my making – exploring narratives that evoke nostalgia, fragility and feelings of fragmentation”.
Priscilla
Anthea Godfrey. Artistic Director Embroiderers Guild
The exhibition was supported by a Companion Book which celebrates the careers of the artists so far, but also provides something concrete to celebrate their achievements in the future.
Find details about the book (and how to order your copy) here: