Embroidery Course: Victorian Art

Elevate your embroidery skills on this two-day course inspired by the Museum’s collection and led by experts from Hand & Lock, London’s premier embroidery house.

The Victorian era was a time of opulence and drastic change in the world of fashion and decorative art. The military uniforms, equipment and ephemera of the period reflect this lavishness and desire for modernity. It is the extravagance of their design, and the skill with which the objects were made, that makes them such fascinating items to study and appreciate.

On this special weekend course, take inspiration from the items depicted within the stunning artworks in our special exhibition, ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’, and learn how to elevate your own embroidery skills under the supervision of tutors from Hand & Lock.

Schedule

Day 1 – Saturday, 26 July 2025

10.00am – 4.30pm

In the morning, a curator will guide you through the ‘Myth and Reality’ exhibition, highlighting the fine embroidery displayed within the artworks and providing additional historical context. A representative from Hand & Lock will then discuss some of the techniques used.

After lunch, you’ll take part in an embroidery class and have a go at a design inspired by the items you’ve seen.

Day 2 – Sunday, 27 July 2025

10.00am – 4.30pm

On the second day, you’ll continue to work on your design in our embroidery class, with expert tuition from Hand & Lock.

About Hand & Lock

Hand & Lock are London’s premier embroidery house providing embellishment services to the Royal Family, top European design houses, the military, Savile Row and members of the public. Founded in 1767, they have over 250 years’ experience embellishing, embroidering and monogramming.