Texture & Shine: Creative Ways with Metal Purls & Beads with Hanny Newton

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop (10am - 4:30pm each day)

Discover creative approaches to metal purls and beading on this two day course. You will learn the foundations of working with metal purls and beads, practising techniques for shaping, layering, and combining them. As you work, you will build your own series of hand embroidery samples and drawings, creating a toolkit of techniques to inspire future projects and develop your personal style.

The course combines structured teaching with plenty of time for experimentation, allowing you to explore historical goldwork methods in your own way. You will be encouraged to test new ideas, respond intuitively to the materials, and see how traditional techniques can be adapted for contemporary embroidery.

Suitable for all levels, this course provides both technical guidance and creative freedom, giving you the skills, confidence, and inspiration to continue exploring metalwork and beading in your own embroidery practice.

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Goldwork embroidery is one of the oldest and most luxurious forms of hand embroidery, with a history stretching back hundreds of years. Originally used to decorate religious garments, royal clothing, and ceremonial textiles, it has always been prized for its ability to catch the light and create a sense of richness and depth. Traditional techniques include couching flat or twisted gold threads, passing threads, and spangles, often worked over silk or velvet grounds.

Metal purls are beautiful, hollow spun wires (think tiny slinky!) that have been used for centuries in goldwork embroidery. They offer endless possibilities for contemporary embroidery, adding shine, texture, and movement to designs in exciting and innovative ways. Over time, artists and embroiderers have combined historical techniques with new approaches, layering purls, beads, and mixed media to create expressive, modern interpretations of this historic craft.

Today, creative goldwork continues to evolve, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, inspiring both professional and hobbyist embroiderers to explore its full potential.

Over the two days with Hanny Newton you will learn:

• Handling metal purls 

• Chipping/cut work with metal purls 

• Beading

• Creative approaches to beading and metal purls  

• Design and drawing techniques for developing personal embroidery artworks  

You will be given a full course kit with everything you need to take part. All materials and tools are provided, so you only need to bring yourself.

If you would prefer, you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own drawing materials. This is entirely optional and not required for the course.

Hanny Newton  is known for her contemporary approach to goldwork embroidery. Since studying at the Royal School of Needlework (2011-13) and Falmouth University (2014) she has been fascinated by the inherent qualities of metal threads, and has a deep belief in the importance of innovation and self expression to keeping crafts alive. From her studio in Shropshire, she works internationally with interior designers and art consultancies, applying her creative approach to historical techniques to large scale projects for hotels and private residences around the world. She teaches her contemporary approach to goldwork at internationally, including the British Museum, West Dean College and the Australian Design Centre, Sydney. She is the winner of the prestigious QEST Sanderson Rising Star Craft Award 2024. 

Instagram: @hannynewton

Website: www.hannynewton.co.uk