Hand & Lock at the V&A

From the 12th to the 15th centuries, England enjoyed an international reputation for the quality of its luxury embroideries, and were frequently referred to as ‘Opus Anglicanum’ (English work).

Often featuring complex imagery, and ambitious in their scale and intricacy, they were sought after by kings, queens, popes and cardinals across Europe. This exhibition is the first opportunity in over half a century to see an outstanding range of surviving examples in one place.

Paintings, illuminated manuscripts, metalwork and stained glass will be shown alongside, to explore the world within which these exquisite works were created. Luxury embroideries were made by professional craftsmen living in the City of London, some of whom we can still identify by name. London was a hub for commerce, and the embroiderers formed part of an international mercantile network.

The rare survivals of this extraordinary period of English art are today scattered across Europe and north America. Some of the embroideries have not been seen in Britain since they were produced.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition Hand & Lock are proud to present a series of expert speakers and teachers revealing the stories and techniques of the embroideries featured in the exhibition. In partnership with the V&A will offer three evening talks explore the historical context, embroidery techniques, artistic symbolism, the technical and artistic evolution and the cultural impact of the art form. The three talks take place at the The Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre at the V&A. We will also be inviting students and enthusiasts to visit our central London atelier and learn the medieval embroidery techniques first hand. Six intimate classes will run over the duration of the exhibition.

Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery
1 October 2016 – 5 February 2017
Victoria and Albert Museum

We are very excited to bring together a host of fantastic experts for a series of three evening talks at the V&A to complement this wonderful exhibition. Learn the secret history of the specialist skill, uncover the mysteries of the materials and discover the significant impact these works had on 21st Century art.

Hand & Lock are delighted to host a series of exciting talks to accompany the Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of Medieval English Embroidery exhibition at the V&A. Join us over the course of three evenings for exclusive talks covering the history, the materials and the artistic impact of Opus Anglicanum. Discover the inside story of the craftsmanship on display in the ground-breaking exhibition and gain insight into the significance of the precious pieces on display.

Speakers include Lecturer and Opus Anglicanum expert Dr Christine Linnell, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework Dr Susan Kay Williams, Eductor and former Principal of the RSN Liz Elvin, Artistic Director of the Embroiderers Guild Anthea Godfrey and Renowned Textile Artist Diana Springall.

In 2017 Hand & Lock are celebrating 250 years of Embroidery and will be complimenting the Opus Anglicanum exhibit by running a series of special workshops that include a complimentary ticket to the exhibition.

Learn the stitch techniques used throughout the embroideries of the middle ages in these exclusive one day workshops to accompany the V&A’s latest exhibition Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery.

Students will learn how to identify Underside Couching, explore it’s uses and advantages before learning the technique from our embroidery expert. Students will also learn about the essential Split Stitch which offered medieval embroiderers vital stability,

volume and stealth. Each class is taught in Hand & Lock’s central London embroidery atelier where these ancient techniques are still employed on contemporary projects.

Students receive a complimentary ticket to the V&A’s Opus Anglicanum Exhibition, that can be redeemed at their convenience. Exhibition opens Saturday 1st October 10.00 – 17.45 (final entrance at 16.30)