As the UK prepares for the unveiling of The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum; the first time this iconic textile has been on British soil in almost 1000 years, the Hand & Lock team have been immersing themselves in all things Bayeux! From written history to visual reference imagery; we have been delving deep to understand the tapestries' finer nuances in terms of colour, motifs, story telling and stitch detailing.
Despite its name, it is in fact not actually a tapestry! (i.e, the design was not created through a woven method by loom). The design is fully hand embroidered using coloured yarns onto a pre-existing woven base material.
We are delighted to have been commissioned by the British Museum to design a collection of products, inspired by the Bayeux, in conjunction with the exhibition. As a big event in the global embroidery calendar, Hand & Lock is thrilled to be a part of this special occasion, celebrating an enduring example of our beloved ancient craft.
To find out more about the exhibition itself including tickets visit - https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/bayeux-tapestry
H&L X British Museum Collection
In collaboration with the British Museum we have created a range of products, each featuring a distinctive motif that can be found within the Bayeux Tapestry itself. We have taken inspiration from shapes, colours and textures, reimagining these motifs into contemporary accessories.
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The Ship Kit
The Ship kit takes direct inspiration from the many long boats that can be seen throughout the tapestry. Replacing thread embroidery with goldwork, the longboat has been recreated using our signature technique. Tones of deep red, burgundy & antique gold reference the original tapestries colour palette, whilst techniques such as Essing, Chipping & Cut Work create the opulent Goldwork design.
Did you know, we have a wide range of helpful videos on our youtube channel, expertly guiding you though a range of goldwork techniques. If you need some extra support alongside the kit instruction booklet, take a look here: LINK TO YOUTUBE GOLDWORK SERIES.
Halley's Comet Brooch & Earrings
We created an ornate pair of goldwork earrings and a brooch. The shooting star motif is directly inspired by ‘Halley’s Comet’, as seen in the tapestry, which is the oldest visual depiction of this phenomenon, recording its appearance in the spring of 1066.
The distinctive shape has been reimagined using gold metal bullions, galvanized metal beads and golden spangles (metal sequins) to create these opulent accessories.
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The Ship Patch
Finally, a contemporary machine embroidered patch completes the collection. Using machine embroidery we have created a modern interpretation of a long boat. Designing the patch stitch by stitch we have carefully mimicked the appearance of uneven hand stitching, whilst the use of soft cotton threads references the materiality of the piece. Tones of burnt orange, navy blue, gold and dark sage green create a natural, earthy palette.
The Halley's Comet Taster Courses
Learn with the Hand & Lock School, a beginners introduction to goldwork embroidery with our Bayeux Tapestry inspired Halley’s Comet Online Taster or In-person Taster.
Inspired by the iconic depiction of Halley's Comet in the Bayeux Tapestry, this 3-hour workshop invites you to recreate this remarkable moment in Goldwork embroidery. Perfect for beginners and those new to Goldwork, this relaxed and inspiring class introduces the traditional techniques. Under the guidance of our expert tutors, you'll learn how to combine essing, chipping, pearl purl, and beading to bring your comet alive.
H&L’s Own Bayeux!
Although not quite as old as the Bayeux Tapestry, Hand & Lock has a rich history of its own, dating back to 1767. To commemorate this historic occasion, the H&L team wanted to create something that celebrated both the Bayeux Tapestry and our own heritage: a special tapestry documenting Hand & Lock’s journey, from the two established companies of M. Hand & Co. and S. Lock Ltd. through to their merger and the Hand & Lock of today.
The two-metre-long tapestry was designed, digitised and then stitched using our digital embroidery machine onto a linen base, using Burmilana threads in 15 different colours. The finished piece comprises an impressive 291,830 stitches and uses more than 300 metres of thread, creating a contemporary embroidered story. The H&L Bayeux Tapestry' is available to see hanging in our shop at 86 Margaret Street, London.
Hand & Lock’s rich history dates back to 1767 when M. Hand, a young Huguenot refugee from Flanders in northern France, arrived in Spitalfields, London and began making lace for military tailors. As his reputation grew, M. Hand expanded his business to include the design and manufacture of military badges and uniform accoutrements. Around 1800 the business moved to a Warwick Street mews in Golden Square central London, before finding a permanent home at 27 Lexington Street in 1870.
On the 6th October 1940, 27 Lexington Street was destroyed during the Blitz. M.Hand temporarily relocated to a premises in Baker Street before moving out to Hertfordshire, where the business remained until after the war. Seven years later, in 1947, the business returned to a newly rebuilt 25 Lexington Street. There, a team of six military accoutrement hands and six embroiderers continued to produce embellishment and accoutrements for officers’ dress uniforms for many years, establishing M. Hand & Co. as a trusted name among Savile Row and military tailors, a relationship that endures more than 250 years later.
Meanwhile, during the 1950s in another part of the industry, a gifted embroidery designer named Stanley Lock joined CE Phipps & Co., an atelier based in Rathbone Place specialising in French couture beadwork for the city’s burgeoning fashion houses. When the owner retired in 1956, Lock acquired the business and rebranded it as S.Lock Ltd. Under Lock’s guidance, the company flourished working with Christian Dior, Norman Hartnell, and Hardy Amies on gowns for Her Majesty The Queen, the Queen Mother, and later Princess Diana. In recognition of its exceptional craftsmanship, the company was awarded the Royal Warrant in 1972.
In 2001, M. Hand & Co. and S. Lock Ltd. merged to form Hand & Lock. This marked a new chapter in the company’s history, bringing together two established names with their own specialist expertise and combining their knowledge and craftsmanship within the embroidery and embellishment industry. In 2005, Hand & Lock moved to 86 Margaret Street, London, where the business continues to operate today.
Today, Hand & Lock continues to create exceptional embroidery and embellishment for a diverse clientele, including international fashion houses, the Royal Family, the British Military, interior designers and costume designers for theatre, film and television. While the business has evolved over more than 250 years, Hand & Lock remains committed to preserving the traditional embroidery techniques and specialist skills that have been passed down through generations.
You can read more about Hand & Lock's history here
Over more recent years, the atelier has expanded to become a multi-faceted business including embroidery education, events and nurturing emerging talent with the Prize for Embroidery.
The Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts
The Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts launched in the early 2000s to champion the highest standards of embroidery education. Today, the School offers expert-led online and in-person courses, welcoming students from around the world. From beginner taster classes to our Embroidery Diploma, discover the full Hand & Lock School and education programme here.
The Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery
Established in 2000, the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery is the world’s leading embroidery competition. Celebrating exceptional talent and innovation, the Prize attracts artists and designers from more than 60 countries, providing emerging talent with a global platform to showcase their work. The event culminates in a prestigious prize-giving, where a live judging panel selects the winners from 24 finalists, alongside several Associate Awards. Find out more about the Prize.
Bespoke Embroidery Events
Hand & Lock Events is a live embroidery and customisation experience, adding a personal touch to special occasions and brand experiences. From retail activations and VIP experiences to corporate functions and brand launches, our live embroidery brings creativity, craftsmanship and expertise to the forefront. Discover more about our Events services.
Discover the full range of Hand & Lock’s services and explore everything we offer today here.
