Prize Winners 2001 - 2014

“I started the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery because it seemed that the whole concept of embroidery had been devolved into its composite parts such as beading, gold work, silk work, quilting. I visited New Designers and whilst no university was offering Embroidery as a subject on its own, looking around I could see that they did nothing but embroidery, although they were designated as different styles. ”

Alastair Macleod, Chairman of Hand & Lock

2001 - 2014

2001

2005

2007

2008

2009

2010

2012

2013

2014

2001

The story of the Prize made its humble beginnings at the Knitting and Stitching show, with just 5 entries.

2005

Mr Macleod undertook a world lecture tour starting in October, touching on how embroidery has developed from the first recorded pieces to the present time, the history of Hand & Lock, and the future of the industry, all proceeds going towards the 2006 Prize event.

2007

The Prize travelled overseas to Sydney, Australia. The ‘Embroidering… the Future’ conference and prize giving took place in the Powerhouse Museum. 1st Place Winner - Tatiana Pogrebnyak

2008

Back on home soil for 2008, the Prize was held at the London College of Fashion. The ‘Embroidery ...in Fashion’ conference invited speakers such as Francoise Lesage and Jade Jagger before announcing the winners.

2009

H&L held the ‘Embroidery… with Style’ conference, fashion show and prize giving at the Glasgow Caledonian University, with words from Sir Tom Baker and Angus Cundey of Henry Poole & Co. The Open category was introduced for the first time ever, opening up the Prize to hobbyists and professionals not currently in education.

2010

For the 10th anniversary of the Prize, contestants explored the brief of ‘Militaria’ (image - 1st Prize Beata Kania, Chicago – USA)

2012

This brief was aptly inspired by celebration. With the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the horizon, entrants were encouraged to get in the spirit by creating embroideries and designs worthy of ‘occasion’.

2013

In collaboration with Patey Hats, the Prize added a brand new category for 2013. The challenge was to create a unique embroidered design for the back of a classic Patey hat, a great exercise to push the boundaries of the usual category beyond clothing and into the realm of accessories.

2014

The 2014 Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery took place at the historic Bishopsgate Institute in London. The brief was Floral: Pattern and Geometry and the diverse interpretations and creative output on show did not disappoint.

“My first highlight was the first Prize giving held at the Knitting and Stitching show in 2001 - we only had 5 entrants and little did we know, it was only the beginning… It has since grown to over 500 per year from at least 40 different countries”

Alastair Macleod

Now a significant date in the London fashion calendar, the Prize draws in industry professionals, designers and influencers alike to celebrate the world’s up-and-coming embroidery talent.

Throughout the years, the Prize has seen countless different formats, briefs, and venues, but the objective remains the same: to spotlight the world of embroidery, and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into every facet of this intricate artform.