Lady Anne's Online Needlework Festival 2025

Join us to celebrate the start of our 2025 festival! We will take this opportunity to introduce our team and tutors, and preview some of the exciting special events to come during the week.

Join us for the first official screening of our latest documentary centered on the life and legacy of Rachel Kay Shuttleworth. Learn more about the lady that inspired this years Festival, as well as a chance to take a peak at the vast and diverse textile collection at Gawthorpe Hall. Stay with us for a Q&A afterwards with Lord Shuttleworth & Sally Higgins.

In this special presentation, textile historian and curator Silvija Banić will delve into the stories behind some of the most recent additions to the museum’s collection of European embroidery. Drawing on her expertise in textiles and her deep understanding of historical and modern techniques, she will highlight key acquisitions, their provenance, and their significance within the wider context of the collection.

Head of Education at the heritage bespoke embroidery atelier Hand & Lock, Lucy Martin will join us to share her insider stories about & Hand & Lock’s rich history, their iconic work with the Royal Family and collaborations with top European fashion houses.

Join Victoria as she explores how Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth's took her passion for craft & needlework and combined it with her role as a leader in the Girl Guides to become an advocate for social welfare, mental health, unemployment, and young people.

Join Jacqui Hyman, a renowned UK-based textile conservator, for a fascinating journey into the world of textile preservation. Drawing on her extensive experience, Jacqui will delve into the conservation treatment of the historic crewelwork bed curtains and valances at Gawthorpe Hall, exploring the unique challenges of preserving textiles on open display and the environmental considerations involved.

Our master stitcher Harriet will share her journey (so far!) stitching the soon to be released special edition Gawthrope Bedhanging project, under the guidance of Phillipa.

In this second feature documentary on Rachel Kay Shuttleworth, we dive deeper into her collection with the Gawthorpe Hall textile curator Rachel Midgely. Hear all about the some of the most important items in the collection and enjoy unparalleled close up views of the embroideries themselves. After we will be joined by Rachel Midgely for an opportunity to ask questions.

Celebrate the end of our Festival with a Stitch Along. Share your highs and lows of the festival and have a chance to finish off your designs in good company!