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Woodland Fly Agaric Brooch with Eliza Gomersall

Regular price £125.00 GBP
Location:
Hampton Court Palace
Techniques:
Goldwork, Hand Beading, Threadwork, Raised Embroidery, Stumpwork
Duration:
1 day. 10am-4 pm
Date
Course Description

Designed and taught by Eliza Gomersall, this one-day workshop is an introduction to goldwork embroidery as a form of wearable art. The Woodland Fly Agaric Brooch takes inspiration from the Amanita muscaria mushroom found on the woodland floor, a natural sign of growth and renewal within healthy ecosystems, the design draws on the small wonders of the forest. Beneath the surface, fungi form underground networks that connect with tree roots, sharing nutrients and supporting the health of woodland ecosystems. Because of this hidden relationship, the fly agaric has become a symbol of interconnection, balance and resilience in nature. Structure is first built using felt padding, before layering bullion, beads and silk floss to build texture. Through this process participants explore how traditional techniques can be used to create a small sculptural piece of jewellery. The finished embroidery is then mounted as a brooch to wear and add to a jewellery box, or gift to someone special. Basic embroidery experience is helpful, though techniques are demonstrated and supported throughout the day. Demonstrations may be photographed or filmed for personal reference. All materials are provided in the kit including reference materials, such as a stitch plan and key, to support stitching during the workshop and to use at home afterwards. As this is a one-day workshop, the design will already be transferred onto the fabric, allowing everyone to begin stitching straight away. There is no pressure to finish the piece during the workshop. The focus is on learning techniques and enjoying the process. Eliza is happy to provide supplier information for those who wish to source any of the tools and equipment used during the workshop. 

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

Eliza Gomersall

Eliza Gomersall is a hand embroidery artist and freelancer based in southeast England. Working from her home studio, she creates bespoke commissions alongside developing her own embroidered pieces. Inspired by the natural world, wildlife and the British landscape, her work blends elements of nature and fantasy with a sense of storytelling. She combines traditional hand embroidery techniques with contemporary materials and approaches to create delicate, detailed and imaginative pieces. After graduating from The Royal School of Needlework, Eliza won First Prize in The Hand & Lock Prize 2022 Textile Art Student Category for her piece Palingenesis. In 2023 she completed the Chanel and The King’s Foundation Metiers d’Art Embroidery Fellowship in Partnership with le19M, further developing her skills in couture craftmanship. Alongside her larger textile works, Eliza has developed a collection of embroidered jewellery, translating intricate hand embroidery into wearable pieces. Her work has been worn by Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, and she created an embroidered brooch for Queen Camilla to wear at The Finding Harmony premiere. Eliza enjoys sharing her skills through embroidery workshops, encouraging others to explore creativity and craftmanship through hand embroidery. Alongside her studio practice and teaching she freelances in costume embroidery, where she continues to gain valuable industry experience, develop her technical skills and explore new approaches to her craft.

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: HCP26078

Woodland Fly Agaric Brooch with Eliza Gomersall

£125.00 GBP