Capturing Light: Fine Japanese Metal Threads with Hanny Newton

£175.00 GBP

Location: Hampton Court Palace
Techniques: Goldwork, Experimental Embroidery
Duration: 1 day. 10am - 4pm

Date

Sun 22 Nov (10:00am-04:00pm)

Course Description

This course explores the expressive and creative possibilities of working with fine Japanese metal threads to create refined, light-filled embroidered artworks. Developed by Hanny and shared for the first time in this class, this contemporary technique reimagines traditional goldwork by focusing on the subtle power of a single, delicate stitch. By carefully changing the direction of long, fine metal stitches, you will learn how to “shade” with light itself — harnessing reflection rather than colour to create tonal variation, depth, and atmosphere. The result is a surface that shifts and shimmers as it moves, producing beautifully nuanced effects. Throughout the course, you will be guided step by step through the process of understanding and mastering stitch techniques, the handling of materials and design development. Beginning with focused sampling exercises, you will explore how angle, density, and stitch length influence the way light interacts with the metal threads, and use this to create your own small, unique artwork. Alongside stitch development, drawing plays an important role in the design process. You will build a collection of exploratory sketches and stitched samples that investigate tone, composition, and movement. These studies will support you in designing and creating your own artwork using fine Japanese metal threads. Because this is fairly detailed and precise work, some basic prior stitch experience is recommended, along with good eyesight. However, with careful guidance and a supportive atmosphere, you will gain both technical confidence and a deeper appreciation of the magic of these fine, beautiful threads.

What you will need to bring

Everything you need to complete your embroidery will be provided as part of the course.
For this course, please bring:
- A sketchbook for drawing
- 1–3 fine black pens
- Pencil, ruler and rubber
- A notebook and pen for taking notes, if you wish
We also recommend bringing 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

Hanny Newton

Hanny is known for her contemporary approach to metal thread embroidery. Since graduating from the Royal School of Needlework in 2013, she has been captivated by the unique qualities of metal threads and driven by a belief that innovation and personal expression are essential to keeping traditional crafts vibrant and relevant. Combining historical goldwork embroidery techniques with a distinctly modern aesthetic, Hanny creates bespoke hand-stitched artworks using gold, silver and copper threads, and more recently explores straw as 'natural gold' in her practice. Hanny is passionate about sharing her expertise and inspiring others through stitch. She teaches her contemporary interpretation of goldwork embroidery internationally, with institutions and organisations including the British Museum, Hand & Lock London and The Royal School of Needlework.  Working from her studio in Shropshire, UK, Hanny collaborates with interior designers, art consultants and private clients to create bespoke large-scale commissions for hotels, restaurants and private residences around the world. In recognition of her work, she was awarded the QEST Broderers’ Company Scholarship in 2023 and became the inaugural recipient of the Sanderson QEST Rising Star Award in 2024 for her innovative work with straw as ‘natural gold’. Recent commissions include large-scale projects for Core by Clare Smyth, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in London, and Atelier Art Consultants.

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: HCP26088

Capturing Light: Fine Japanese Metal Threads with Hanny Newton

£175.00 GBP

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