3-096-479 - Ware in the World/Heritage Images

Choosing wools at the shop counter, Royal School of Needlework, c1955. The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in London is a hand embroidery school, founded as the School of Art Needlework in 1872. 'The founding principles of the RSN were two-fold: to revive a beautiful art which had fallen into disuse and, through its revival, to provide employment for educated women who, without a suitable livelihood, would otherwise find themselves compelled to live in poverty'. The School established a Studio which works new bespoke embroidery commissions and replicas of antique textiles as well as restoration and conservation projects. At its peak, the RSN employed around 150 workers. The work of the Studio has been used in many important events, including royal weddings, coronations and funerals.