When and where?
Hampton Court Palace
10.00am to 4.00pm
Classes take place at weekends and on weekdays during the Easter and Summer holidays.
I'm a beginner, where do I start?
The art of embroidery covers a vast range of very different techniques. If you don't know where to begin try an Introduction to Embroidery class where you will work a designed sampler of varied stitches and the embroideries on view at the RSN will help you to decide which direction to follow next.
All the Introduction Day Classes in will give you an insight into a technique and you will learn a number of stitches and gain the confidence to work on your own and progress further. All Introduction classes are suitable for complete beginners. Some Introduction classes are for two days and these are also suitable for students who wish to develop the technique.
How can I progress my embroidery skills?
Try the Developing classes. Usually for two days, these classes will teach you more stitches and a wider approach to the subject. The Advanced classes, two or three days, are for students who feel confident with the technique and wish to develop their individual approach. And there are lots of classes to experiment with design and using embroidery for practical applications.
What experience is necessary to attend RSN classes?
For Introduction and most other one-day classes absolutely none. Many of our two-day classes are suitable for students with very little experience and there is no hard-and-fast rule. The classes are friendly and relaxed and our knowledgeable and skilled tutors will help you develop your skills at your own pace. If you do need some experience of the technique to benefit from the class, we will say so in the class description.
Can I make something useful?
Many of our courses are for creating functional decorative items for personal use or for gifts - Biscornu cushions, brooches, decorative boxes, beaded decorations and Elizabethan-style Sweete bags are a few of the selection. Try the new Big and Bold class which will give you ideas for interior design and for fashion. All classes which help you to produce a functional item are marked f.
What should I bring with me?
Thimbles if you use them, sharp embroidery scissors and a pencil and notepad. On a one or two-day class you will be supplied with a design and pack of materials. These kits are an additional cost to the class fee and vary with each technique, typically from £12.00 to £35.00.
On a three-day class it will be your choice to purchase a supplied kit or work on your own project. For any class where kits are not supplied, you will be advised what to bring with you, but we will always have a selection of materials for sale in the classrooms. Equipment such as frames can be loaned or purchased in the classroom.
The RSN shop will also be open during your class; and you can shop online at anytime at
www.royal-needlework.org.uk/shop
How much does a class cost?
Our class fees are held at last year's rate
One-day class £65.00
Two-day class £125.00
Three-day class £182.00
Five-day class £300.00
Materials are an additional cost to the class fee and vary with each technique.
Are there any concessions?
RSN Friends and Special Supporters receive a 10% discount on Day class fees and materials.
One-day class £58.50; Two-day class £112.50; Three-day class £163.60;
Five-day class £270.00.
Are there any Special Offers?
Look out for our Special Offers on some weekend classes where you can attend two one-day classes for the price of a two-day class.
Do you teach private lessons?
Private group lessons can be arranged at Hampton Court Palace for both UK-based and international groups. We cannot currently offer private lessons to individuals.
For further information please contact Jessica Aldred T: +44 (0)20 3166 6938 or email
Jessica.Aldred@royal-needlework.org.uk
How do I book?
There are various options:-
Click to Shop and book online;
Click to booking form, complete, print and mail or fax it to RSN;
Telephone Jessica Aldred T: +44 (0)20 3166 6938;
Email Jessica.Aldred@royal-needlework.org.uk
What payment methods are available?
There are various options:-
Cheque made payable to "Royal School of Needlework";
Direct bank transfer (Details of the RSN account are available on request);
Visa or Mastercard credit card (please note there is an additional 3% handling fee for credit card payments.);
Visa or Maestro debit card
For all card payments we require the card number; expiry date; three digit security number on the back of the card and the name on the card.
The full fee must be included with the Day Class booking.
(We do not accept American Express cards).
When will I hear from you after booking?
Your booking will normally be processed within one week of receipt. Please contact us if you have not heard from us after ten working days from the date of application.
What happens if the class I want to attend is fully booked?
We will contact you immediately if the class you have applied for is already full. We will add your name to a waiting list and your fee will be returned. We will inform you immediately if a place becomes available.
What happens if I need to cancel a Day Class?
On receipt of cancellation in writing class fees will be refunded only if the vacancy can be filled. 25% of the fee paid will be charged to cover administration costs. Alternatively, class fees can be transferred to another class if there is a place available. There will be an administration charge of £10.00 for the transfer. Please note that class fees cannot be transferred from one academic year to the next.
What happens if the RSN cancels a Day Class?
The RSN reserves the right to cancel any class if necessary. We will notify students who have booked as soon as possible and offer a place on another class. If preferred by the student, a full refund will be made.
Will the class content change from the way it is described?
The RSN reserves the right to make any reasonable alterations to the course programme or to substitute tutors.
Are refreshments available?
Coffee is provided at about 11.00am. Lunchtime is from approximately 1.00pm to 2.00pm. We offer drinks at breaktimes but we cannot supply other refreshments, so please bring a packed lunch which you may eat in our apartment, or in fine weather you may prefer to picnic in the Palace gardens. Alternatively the Palace Coffee Shop and Tilt Yard Café are available. You may find that you encounter long queues during the summer months and school holidays. There is no break during the afternoon session.
Can I Park at Hampton Court?
Parking is available in the Pay and Display Car Parks at Hampton Court Palace and at Hampton Court railway station opposite the Palace across the bridge. There is also a Pay and Display Car Park at The Green on the A308 about ten minutes walk from the Palace. Free parking is not available in the Palace car parks. For current parking rates please visit
http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/ticketsandprices
Parking is available in the Hampton Court Palace Car Park at no charge for drivers displaying Blue Badge Parking Permits
I have restricted mobility - can I access your classrooms?
The majority of our classes are held in an upstairs apartment which has access by lift, but there is a stairway of six steps inside our apartment which does not have lift access and occupied wheelchairs cannot be lifted up. If you need wheelchair access, please contact us in advance as it is possible to organise some classes at ground floor level.
The distances inside Hampton Court Palace are long and we can supply a wheelchair for the day for students who have difficulty walking for any length of time.
Please do let us know in advance if you think you will require help accessing our classrooms.
Can I take photographs?
Photography is not permitted inside the RSN. Design sources from the RSN Collection and Archive and from students' and tutors' work may be used for inspiration only and may not be photographed or photocopied.
Can I use my mobile phone?
We request that mobile phones are switched off during all classes and courses. Any student who wishes to use their phone should leave the classroom and converse well away from the classrooms and offices. Please note that the use of mobile phones is not permitted at all in the public areas of Hampton Court Palace.
Is local accommodation available?
The RSN is not responsible for accommodation and students must make their own arrangements. There is a variety of hotel and bed & breakfast accommodation available in East Molesey, which is the nearest centre to Hampton Court Palace. Kingston and Richmond are also accessible. For details of local accommodation please contact the following:
www.molesey.org
Elmbridge Borough Council T: +44 (0)1372 474391 www.elmbridge.gov.uk
Kingston Upon Thames Tourist Information Centre T: +44 (0) 20 8547 5592 www.kingston.gov.uk
Richmond Upon Thames Tourist Information Centre T: +44 (0) 20 8940 0057 www.visitrichmond.co.uk
