2025 Brief

Drawing inspiration from heritage, tradition, and memory, explore the role of museums and cultural institutions as guardians of our collective stories. Venture into the unseen world of archives and storage rooms to uncover hidden gems and create breathtaking works of art. Reflect on the value we place on different objects, comparing the aesthetics of popular and overlooked items.

As Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “Art is the product of emotion and intuition; design is the product of intelligence and reason.” By referencing archival sources, entrants are encouraged to create timeless and thought-provoking embroideries that both complement and challenge their chosen narratives, transporting viewers to other worlds.

In a world where the dialogue between design and art continues to evolve, we invite you to use your 2025 Hand
& Lock Prize submission to showcase your embroidery craft and engage in a thought-provoking exploration
of art and design.

Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright said,

“Art is the product of emotion and intuition; design is the product of intelligence and reason.”

Now, we challenge you to dive into the debate and craft your own vision of beauty that is grounded in original research. Heritage has become central to the way we experience and encounter the world around us. After a period of minimalism and modernisation, a host of global brands have embraced their history, explored their archives and reinvented themselves by leaning into heritage. Consider the British brand Burberry and their recent success reintroducing the Equestrian Knight and “Established 1856” in their visual branding.

As consumers increasingly question the value of their purchases, storytelling, lineage and heritage become important
intangible factors that underscore their perceived worth. Develop a lineage, find your own aesthetic evolution and create embroidery that underscores your personal vision. Draw inspiration from heritage, tradition and memory to consider the role of museums and cultural institutions as the caretakers of our collective narratives. Explore the unseen world of archives and storage rooms to create a vision of beauty that is grounded in original research. Reflect on the value we place on certain objects over others, comparing the aesthetics of popular art and design with the ordinary and overlooked.

Think about the role of museums as caretakers, educators and repositories of history. It is estimated that,
amongst the 55,000 museums that exist in the world, 90% of their objects are hidden away in storage rooms.
Even the largest national institutions can only display about 5% of their collection at any time. The vast
majority of precious ‘museum-worthy’ objects are hidden from sight. Then consider your own personal treasures, keepsakes and memories. Which are tucked away in attics, wardrobes and storage and which objects do you choose to display?

Finally, become an expert in colour theory, texture and trend analysis. Identified by WGSN and Coloro, the Colour of the Year for 2025 is Future Dusk. This intriguing hue, a blend of blue and purple, embodies ambiguity and uncertainty. As colour often reflects societal shifts and values, consider your own colour choices and ensure your selections underscore the story you are trying to tell. Also, be mindful of texture; seek to provoke curiosity and interest. Ask yourself if your embroidery should complement your object or contradict it. Whether you are making a garment or an art object, think about cultural trends and design trajectories. Can your embroidery embody a timeless quality? As you embark on this journey, think of your submission as more than just a piece of art or design - it is a reflection of your vision, a commentary on the world around us, and a source of inspiration for others. Let your creativity flow freely as you invent not just an object of embroidery but a rich universe that the viewer can inhabit.

Museums and Institutions
Museums and institutions such as London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Copenhagen’s Design Museum and
Milan’s Triennale Design Museum are dedicated to showcasing cultural objects from history to inform the future of aesthetic design.
However, it is estimated that, amongst the 55,000 museums that exist in the world, 90% of their objects are
hidden away in storage rooms. Even the largest national institutions can only display about 5% of their collection
at any time. The vast majority of precious ‘museum-worthy’ objects are hidden from sight. Consider also the archives of individual businesses. The members of the Royal Warrant Holders Association are recognised for their exceptional quality, service, and craftsmanship, earning the prestigious honour of holding a Royal Warrant. What forgotten objects could lie hidden in their archives? This brief challenges you to shed light on the unseen collective culture and craft your own vision of beauty that is grounded in original research.

Colour & Texture
You should demonstrate a firm understanding of trend analysis and colour theory. Successful design can live or
die by the colour choice. Review the research that led to the colour of the year 2025 and make considered colour
choices grounded in your research.
• WGSN and Coloro announce Color of the Year 2025: Future Dusk
• We Already Have a Color of the Year for 2025
• Future Dusk Will Be the 2025 Color of the Year
• Yes, We Already Have a Color of the Year Prediction for 2025
• SS25 Color in Mutation

Embroidery is defined as surface decoration and therefore texture and three-dimensionality should be key to your process. Your embroidery choices should factor in decoration and design as well as tactility, movement, delight
and surprise. Besides embroidery, consider how else you might be able to create texture:
• Première Vision: Spring-Summer 2025 Fabric Trends
• Autumn-winter-2024 2025 Trends in Embroidery and Textile Decoration
• Explore The Spring-Summer 2025 Fashion Trends