Decorative Goldwork Lettering

Location: This course is delivered via Zoom & WhatsApp. Please click here for guides to using Zoom & WhatsApp

Duration: 6 Week Embroidery Course (1 x 2.5 hour session per week for 6 consecutive weeks) 

Date: 19th May - 23rd June (6pm-8:30pm - Tuesdays)

Join us at the Hand & Lock School for Embroidery and Creative Arts for our special Decorative Ornamental Lettering course, exploring metal thread work and illustrative personalisation.

Dating back as far as the 2nd to 4th centuries, historiated initials (large decorative letters) have been used to capture attention and highlight important parts of a text. In this Goldwork course you will learn how to use metal threads to their best advantage, understanding the characteristics of each material and how to apply them effectively within a design.

Over six weeks you will design your own decorative letter, much like the ‘L’ shown in our course photographs. You will build up the design step by step, learning a range of filling and outlining techniques to bring your idea to life. Alongside Goldwork you will also have the chance to add colour with cottons and silks, giving you the skills to combine texture, shine and shading in your finished piece.

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• Please read all of the course description information above and the technical and shipping information below before booking your course.

• All courses are non refundable, if you cannot attend please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

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The inspiration for this course comes from the rich tradition of decorative lettering found in illuminated manuscripts and historic book plates. Historiated letters were first used between the 2nd and 4th centuries and became a feature of medieval texts, where large initials were embellished with gold, colour and intricate designs to draw the reader’s eye. These ornate letters combined function with beauty, marking important passages while also acting as works of art in their own right.

Our Decorative Ornamental Lettering course draws on this heritage, reimagining it for contemporary embroidery. By combining goldwork with silk and cotton threads, students can create their own modern interpretation of these historic forms, blending traditional craftsmanship with personal design.

Monogramming is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and has long been used to show ownership and status. In the past rulers and merchants used initials and emblems to mark identity and authority. By the medieval period royalty and nobility were decorating garments, linens and personal items so prized possessions could be recognised. Over time monograms became more decorative. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods ornate letters, crowns and motifs turned them into works of art. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were often stitched onto trousseaux and household linens as part of bridal preparations. Today goldwork is an essential part of monogramming and personalisation in embroidery. In this course you will learn how to create your own letters using traditional goldwork techniques. You will explore how metallic threads and padding can be used to add texture shape and elegance to your monogram. The skills you gain can be applied to small initials on cuffs and collars or larger showcase pieces, giving you a practical foundation to carry into future embroidery projects. - rework this as a course design inspiration paragraph where we talk about why we have designed a goldwork monogramming course

• Throughout this course you will be introduced to a range of goldwork embroidery techniques which you will combine with different fonts to create your lettering. You will begin by understanding 

• All course materials will be sent directly to you. You will need a 10-inch seat frame, or an equivalent embroidery or slate frame, to use during the class. You will also need to provide your own basic embroidery equipment, such as scissors, needle threaders and a daylight lamp, according to your individual needs. 

• A key element of this course is the creation of your own delicate monogram. With this in mind, we encourage you to explore different materials and combinations beyond the embroidery kit provided so you can truly make the piece your own. You are welcome to bring additional threads, bullions or beads to personalise your design.

• When you book the course, we will send you our Embroidery Essentials document, which outlines all the tools and equipment you might want to have ready to get the most out of your learning experience.

• A recording of each course session will be sent to you within one week of the session. You will then be able to keep and refer to this recording indefinitely.