The Worshipful Company of Broderers Associate Award

The Chawton House Project consists of three hand embroidered wall panels inspired by the grounds of Chawton House, Hampshire. As a student, Emily was employed at Chawton House as a tearoom assistant spending her tea-breaks exploring the extensive gardens. These pieces were created in response to the colours and beauty she discovered there – a spirituality which filled her soul with a sense of wonder. Watching the gardens change through the rhythm of the seasons deepened her relationship with nature, making her feel both alive and at peace.

Emily has developed these themes in her work through careful choice of colours and textures, combining art with historical women’s writing by using books from the library collection as a point of reference.

Emily has also embraced the Biophilic design trend, aimed at improving wellbeing by bringing elements of the natural world indoors, through the use of natural products such as raffia, a key material in her embroidery design. 3D parchment paper petals reflect the botanical elements, hand embroidered with text taken from the letters written by Jane Austen. Floral elements have been embroidered using silk shading or tonal canvas work and various goldwork techniques to reflect the richness and beauty of the natural world.