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Celestial Earrings with Lucy May

Regular price £275.00 GBP
Location:
Hampton Court Palace
Techniques:
Goldwork, Experimental Embroidery
Duration:
2 days. 10am-4pm
Dates
Course Description

Create a contemporary pair of Silverwork earrings inspired by celestial motifs from the seventeenth-century Feller Mirror in the Royal School of Needlework Collection.

Across this two-day course, you will learn a range of traditional Goldwork techniques while creating your own piece of wearable embroidered jewellery. Working with Smooth Purl, Bright Check Purl and Pearl Purl, you will explore how contrasting metal threads can be combined to create texture, definition and light.

You will learn how to prepare, cut and apply metal purls, outline shapes with Pearl Purl and build textured surfaces using Bright Check Purl. You will also learn how to carefully cut out, back and finish your embroidered motifs, transforming your embroidery into a beautifully finished pair of earrings complete with sterling silver ear wires.

By the end of the course, you will have developed confidence working with a variety of metal threads and completed your own pair of embroidered Silverwork earrings inspired by a remarkable piece from the RSN Collection.

What you will need to bring

Everything you need to complete your embroidery will be provided as part of the course.
We recommend bringing a notebook and pen to make notes throughout the day, along with any favourite embroidery equipment you like to use, such as your own embroidery scissors or needle threader.
You are also very welcome to bring your favourite mug for tea and coffee throughout the day.

Tutor Biography

Lucy May

Lucy May, aka Embroider the Truth, is an art embroiderer and Royal School of Needlework Tutor, having graduated as Top Student from the Future Tutor Programme with a Distinction in 2025.With a BA in Fashion and Textiles Design and a background in the fashion industry, Lucy’s work is influenced by beauty and truth: taking inspiration from history, pop culture, fashion, spirituality and esoteric imagery.Lucy was a finalist in the prestigious Hand and Lock Prize 2025, taking second place with her devotional piece “The Tears of Saint Clare” and also Runner-Up of the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers Associate Award. In 2024 Lucy was awardedFirst Place in the Hand Embroidery category of the Mr X Stitch Student Needlework Prize with her Blackwork portrait “Handsome Devil” and in 2025 came Runner Up in the National Embroidery Awards with her Suffragetteinspired work “Offence”.Lucy regularly works on commissions for prestigious ecclesiastical furnishers Watts & Co. and in 2023, Lucy was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework who worked on the Anointing Screen for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Important Venue Information

Please note this is an in-person class at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.

On Arrival

Access to Hampton Court Palace is security controlled. Access to the Palace grounds is only available via the main Palace gate (Trophy Gate) - this is the large gate closest to Hampton Court Bridge. Access is currently not available via other gates. On arrival, walk down the drive to the Palace itself and then around the left-hand (north) side of the building until you see the vehicle security barrier and the entrance to the Security Office.

There will be a member of staff to meet you outside the Security Office at 9.45am to escort you to the classroom. You will be issued a visitor pass - please make sure that you wear this and that it is visible at all times.

Accessibility

Hampton Court Palace dates back to the 14th Century. The main RSN classrooms are on the 3rd floor which can be accessed by the Chocolate Court Stairs in Fountain Court, whilst the other classroom has an additional six steps in order to access it. The palace is very old and the walk to our classrooms may have uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions. Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain. There is a lift available for acces from Fountain Court to the RSN apartments but access is prioritised for those with mobility issues.

Breaks and Lunchtime

Refreshments will be provided in the morning. You may take your lunch break in our break room or within the Palace gardens. Please bring a packed lunch and drink with you as there are only two sets of Palace facilities and there are likely to be lengthy queues at lunchtime. Please remember to wear your pass at all times.

Access to toilets

There two upstairs toilets will be available, Additional toilet facilities are available in Fountain Court.

Staff

The RSN Education Team are not onsite at the weekend so please do not expect to see any on your visit, if you need to speak with or contact a member of the team please email education@royal-needlework.co.uk in the first instance.

Materials

Your kit will be ready for you in the classroom. Any additional equipment will be available to purchase or borrow from the RSN on the day. It is useful to bring a notepad and pen, a thimble if you use one and a pair of sharp, favoured embroidery scissors.

RSN Shop

The shop is located on the ground floor next to the East Front Gate and will be open between 11am-4pm. We do have a 'click and collect' pickup service option if you wish to order anything from the shop in advance and pick it up when you attend for your class. This option is available at the Online Shop checkout. Please note that five working days notice must be given to use the shop pickup service.

Photography

You may take photographs of your own work in progress, or of other students’ work with their permission. Photography of work on the walls or any RSN collection pieces is not permitted in any area of the RSN. From time to time we may wish to take photographs of your class and work in progress for publicity material to be used on-line and in print. If you would prefer not to be included in these photographs please let us know.

Checklist BEFORE you Leave Home

[  ] HCP Pass – if you have one
[  ]  Embroidery Scissors
[  ]  Pen and paper
[  ]  Drink and packed lunch

SKU: HCP27013

Celestial Earrings with Lucy May

£275.00 GBP