At Hand & Lock, we cherish the art of storytelling through embroidery, and our latest collaboration with fashion historian Bernadette Banner is a testament to the enduring beauty of historical craftsmanship. Introducing the limited edition goldwork pocket watch brooch, an exquisite piece that encapsulates the precision and artistry of 18th-century design.
Timeless Style
Bernadette renowned for her deep appreciation and meticulous exploration of historical dressmaking, has long celebrated the elegance of the past. Inspired by her passion, this brooch is a seamless fusion of embroidery and heritage, evoking the timeless sophistication of a bygone era. A key reference to Bernadette’s Time Travellers Academy series, the brooch pays homage to the pocket watches that adorned the ensembles of centuries past; a symbol of refinement and the passage of time itself.
The design journey began during our creative discussions for the Harvest Moon kits, where Bernadette highlighted pocket watches as an iconic motif in her initial mood board. Whilst it was not featured in the kit designs we felt it would be a fantastic design in itself.
I love the idea of timelessness: beautiful objects which extend beyond the limits of trend or fashion, but which can be loved and appreciated decades, even centuries later. Craftsmanship is a huge part of that for me; I think the creative magic woven into being by the human hand is never something that will cease feeling wonderful to us. And so to combine that potently human craftsmanship in the form of goldwork embroidery with such a strong symbol of time itself, and one that held as much significance to the daily lives of humans for centuries as our phones do today—this project just felt like the perfect culmination of all that wizardry.
- Bernadette Banner
A Limited Edition Piece of Embroidered Artistry
The result is a stunning brooch, crafted with shimmering metallic threads, delicate padding, and fine detailing that capture the depth and dimension of a true antique timepiece. Each brooch is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that every stitch reflects the excellence and tradition that Hand & Lock has upheld since 1767.
Whether worn as an ode to historical fashion or as a statement of timeless elegance, this pocket watch brooch is a piece of history reimagined. With only a limited number available, this collaboration is a rare opportunity to own a piece of embroidered artistry that bridges the past and present.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE POCKET WATCH
