For Embroidery Expertise

About the RSN

The Royal School of Needlework is an exciting, forward-looking organisation dedicated to keeping the art of hand embroidery alive in the 21st Century.

At the centre of the RSN is the Studio which carries out varied needlework commissions from items of national importance, such as cathedral altar frontals, to items of family importance such as repairs to christening gowns and samplers.  The Studio is staffed by qualified embroiderers, but is also an important training ground for our Apprentices.

The RSN offers a varied programme of day courses to the public. We emphasise mastery of technique and teach a wide range of traditional embroidery alongside more contemporary and creative subjects. A variety of courses caters for complete beginners to experienced embroiderers, and for those who wish to study embroidery in-depth, we offer the Certificated Course.  

Our Archivist and Curator are currently cataloguing the RSN's vast collection of written archives and antique textiles. Exciting discoveries are being made week by week and we will be sharing these with you in a series of talks and exhibitions throughout the coming years.  Images of our Collections are available for brand licensing opportunities. 

All our activities are supported by our Friends to whom we are indebted for financial and voluntary help. As a self-funding educational charity with no government support, (Registered Charity Number 312774) we are continually searching for financial sponsorship and the input from our Friends, along with their enthusiasm and ideas, is very welcome. 

We are also greatly supported by RSN Enterprises and we have a thriving on-line shop selling embroidery equipment, kits and gifts and a shop at Hampton Court Palace.