The Prize

Celebrating 26 years of the Prize

Championing the Next Generation of Embroiderers

Since 2000, the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery has showcased exceptional talent and innovation, attracting artists from over 60 countries. This prestigious competition celebrates embroidery as a powerful art form, providing emerging talent with a global platform to shine.

The 2026 Brief
Embroidery Talks: Visual Storytelling from Heart to Hand

Testimonials

'In my opinion there is no greater opportunity for emerging embroiderers than the Hand and Lock Prize. It encourages and supports heritage craft, fosters incredible connections within the industry and ultimately rewards creativity and skill. I would encourage anyone considering entering to just go for it!'

— Lucy May, Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers Runner Up & 2nd Place Student Textile Art Winner

'The Hand & Lock Prize challenges you to fully commit to a brief, while the mentorship gives you the confidence and support needed to take risks and push your practice forward'

— Lucy Newman, Finalist 2025

'The Hand & Lock Prize offered not only recognition, but also a rare sense of care and professionalism that allowed me to fully focus on and enjoy my work as an artist.'

— Chenyi Liu, The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers Associate Award Winner 2025

'Taking part in the Hand & Lock Prize is something I will always look back on as a huge accomplishment, it was a moment of recognition, celebrating embroidery, dedication and craft. Being part of the Prize, alongside so many other artists, felt like the ultimate appreciation of all the hours and effort spent on my embroidery. It truly felt like being part of a legacy'

— Severina Seidl, 1st Place Student Textile Art Winner 2025

'I'd like to give heartfelt thanks to Hand and Lock London, the judges and the Prize for Embroidery team for coordinating the exhibition at Gallery Rosenfeld. It was an honour to be chosen as 1 of 24 finalists, to have the chance to exhibit my artwork internationally, then unexpectedly to receive first prize in my open textile art category.'

— Melinda Piesse, 1st Place Open Textile Art Winner 2025