Native Wildflower - Snake's Head Fritillary with Natalie Rowe
| Location: Hampton Court Palace | |
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Technique: Surface Stitches |
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Duration: 1 day. 10am - 4pm |
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Course Description
This striking wildflower species can be identified by its intricately patterned petals. The checked pink and purple pattern is reminiscent of snakeskin scales, hence its common name, snake’s-head fritillary. The elegant bell-shaped flowers hang from curving slender stems with long thin leaves. Wild snake’s head fritillaries, though once more common, are now classed as vulnerable. This design provides an introduction to needlelace, which is used to fill the petals and create the distinctive checkerboard pattern. The design also features a number of surface stitches including back stitch, split stitch, padded satin stitch, chain stitch, couching and trailing. Within the design there is plenty of opportunity to practise these techniques. All the stitches will be covered within the tuition and you will be provided with a detailed instruction booklet to enable you to complete the design after the class. This design is stitched in a selection of vibrantly coloured cotton threads on a pink cotton fabric. In order to capture the colours of the plant and achieve three-dimensional shading, threads will be blended in the needle and techniques for transitioning between colours will be covered in the class. This class is suitable for embroiderers of all levels, although some embroidery experience may be helpful.
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
Natalie Rowe
Natalie is an artist, embroiderer and tutor. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts with a first-class honours degree in Illustration before undertaking further training at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). She graduated from the RSN’s Future Tutor Programme with Distinction in 2022, receiving the RSN Broderers’ Award for Top Student and becoming a qualified RSN Tutor. Natalie has taught a number of day classes for the RSN and also teaches on the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma programme. She has also developed a series of embroidery kits for the RSN Shop. In 2023, Natalie was part of the RSN Embroidery Studio team that worked on the Anointing Screen for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Interested in exploring and reinventing traditional techniques and motifs through her own contemporary designs, Natalie draws inspiration from the natural world and art history. She has exhibited her work at the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery and was selected to appear at the Broderers’ Exhibition in 2022 and 2025. In September 2026, Natalie joined the RSN’s in-house team and now regularly teaches across the RSN’s Short Courses programme.
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
Native Wildflower - Snake's Head Fritillary with Natalie Rowe
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