Natural Gold: A Journey from Metal Threads to Straw
Wednesday (UK)
Online via Zoom
Please read the 'Important Booking Information' below before booking this Talk.
Description
For contemporary embroidery artist Hanny Newton, materials have always been at the heart of her practice. From the rich world of goldwork to her current exploration of straw embroidery, Hanny’s work is driven by a curiosity about what materials can become in the hands of the maker.
In this illustrated talk, Hanny will share the story of her embroidery career, beginning with her training at the Royal School of Needlework and her subsequent studies in Contemporary Craft at Falmouth University. She will explore how her practice has developed over more than a decade of working professionally as an embroiderer, artist and teacher, and how her relationship with traditional embroidery techniques has continually evolved.
Hanny will talk about her fascination with metal threads — their history, craftsmanship and distinctive qualities — and her exploration of their movement, shine and sculptural potential. Through examples of her artwork, commissions and teaching, she will discuss how she has developed an intuitive and contemporary approach to goldwork, using drawing, repetition, stitch and experimentation to move beyond traditional applications of the technique.
More recently, this fascination with precious materials has led Hanny in an unexpected direction: towards straw.
Over the past few years, she has been researching wheat and rye straw as embroidery materials, exploring how something humble and often overlooked can be transformed into a supple, flowing thread. She will share the challenges and discoveries involved in growing, harvesting, processing and spinning straw, alongside her developing research into meadow grasses and other plant fibres.
From the gleam of metal thread to the natural beauty of a strand of straw, Hanny will explore how looking closely at materials can reveal unexpected possibilities for embroidery — and how traditional skills can provide a foundation for experimentation, curiosity and change.
The talk will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Important Booking Information
Please note that this event is a LIVE online talk via Zoom at the given date and time and will last between approximately 60-90 minutes including questions and answers.
Requirements
You will need access to a suitable computer, tablet or smartphone device. We recommend that you download and install the Zoom app on your device in advance of the Talk.
You will receive your personalised Zoom invite no later than 24 hours before the event (3 hours if booked on the day). Your Zoom invite is unique to you and should not be shared, otherwise you may be unable to view the Talk.
Attendees Outside the UK
This Talk will run from 7pm to approximately 8:30pm (19:00 to 20:30 hours) UK local time. If you are outside of the UK please check your local time, particularly if your location changes to/from Daylight Savings Time on a different schedule to the UK during March/April. To check and convert times please visit TimeAndDate.com.
