Secrets and Codes: The Embroidery of Mary Queen of Scots

This is a recording of a live event held on Wednesday 11 December, 2024.

Embroidery was an important means of expression for Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587). As Queen she employed professional embroiderers and discussed the artistry and merits of needlework, but as a prisoner she began to embroider to pass the time. She occupied her time with embroidery in the company of her gaoler’s wife, Bess of Hardwick, and together they created rich hangings of cutwork featuring the queens of myth and legend.

In this talk, author and RSN Trustee, Eleri Lynn talks about the subversive symbols that Mary stitched and how they provide coded references to her life, and to her cousin, Elizabeth I, who would eventually seal her fate.