The extraordinary 150-year history of the Royal School of Needlework is being celebrated with an exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum. It is a stunning display of history and artefacts; a vivid look back at their past, and a colourful look into their future.

Between April-September 2022 Haberdashers have the chance to see up close the range and depth of embroidery that the Royal School of Needlework has been creating for the past 150 years.

Royal School of Needlework was founded in 1872 on two key principles – the first, the preservation of hand embroidery as an art form and the second, the support of women’s independence through work. 

In the intervening 150 years, the RSN’s journey towards these goals has taken many unexpected forms and featured countless high-profile projects.

With pieces on loan from Her Majesty the Queen, and a wealth of pieces from the School’s archive, this is a visual feast that embodies the Company’s roots in fashion and textiles. 

The Company supports the School’s Future Tutors programme, ensuring that the art of embroidery and design endures. 

The Red Dress Project ©RSN

'Our students have shown creativity and persistence, and have stayed enthusiastic and determined to succeed amidst an uncertain backdrop.'

The School’s Chief Executive, Dr Susan Kay-Williams says ‘Whilst this has been a challenging year for our students, we are immensely proud of their achievements. They have shown creativity and persistence, and have stayed enthusiastic and determined to succeed amidst an uncertain backdrop’. 

The Fashion and Textile Museum is in Bermondsey, just moments from London Bridge station. All members are encouraged to enjoy this exhibition and be inspired by our partnership with the Royal School of Needlework. 

Thanks to Liveryman Margot Chaundler for her role as Company Contact.  

‘150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework: Crown to Catwalk’ runs from 1 April – 4 September at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, SE1 3XF. 

Tickets are now on sale and should be pre-booked on the Fashion and Textile’s website fashiontextilemuseum.org. 

Adults cost: £12.65, concessions: £11.55, students: £10.45, under 12s: free (Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm).