RSN Graduate Degree Show at Hampton Court Palace: A Day of Creative Connection

Stepping into Hampton Court Palace for the Royal School of Needlework Graduate Degree Show felt like entering a dialogue between history and the future of stitch. A group of us from IDC were invited to attend, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

The palace itself set the tone - centuries of craftsmanship, artistry, and architectural precision - but it was the graduates who brought the space alive. Their work filled the rooms with bold ideas, meticulous technique, and the kind of creative courage that defines contemporary textile practice.

What made the day truly special was the conversations.
We spoke with every student - not just about their final pieces, but about their journeys, their processes, and the paths they’re carving next. These weren’t surface-level chats; they were rich, thoughtful exchanges about materiality, identity, storytelling, and the evolving role of hand embroidery in modern craft.

Each graduate had a distinct voice.
Some pushed scale and structure.
Some leaned into narrative and symbolism.
Some explored technical mastery with breathtaking precision.
All of them demonstrated a clarity of intention that was inspiring to witness.

For us at IDC, the visit was a reminder of why creative education matters. It reaffirmed the importance of nurturing curiosity, supporting emerging artists, and championing the power of stitch as a contemporary expressive medium. Being invited into that space - into their achievements, their ambitions, their next steps - was a privilege.

We left Hampton Court with full hearts, buzzing minds, and a renewed sense of purpose.

News So Far….

It’s been a busy time at The Manbroiderer towers, with the exhibition at The Creative Craft Show at the N.E.C Birmingham last month that saw my work exhibited alongside my friends at Traverse Textile Art Group. 

I Managed to see the truly spectacular Red Dress exhibit which is absolutely breath taking.  Also the National Embroidery Awards exhibits that showcased the amazing talents of so many textile artists in one place.

The best part of the show was meeting all of you, it was lovely to catch up with so many of you and find out what you are all up to and the exciting projects you are working on. If you didn’t see my photos and videos of the winners, please check out The Manbroiderer on Facebook to see all of the images I took at the show.

I have also launched my shiny new website that will include my blog, and news of current events, exhibitions, and my available work as well as a fully stocked shop where you can purchase all of your embroidery supplies at the best prices possible.

This ties very nicely into my next piece of news which is my lovely embroidery kits I’ve been working hard to get released.  There will be two new kits released onto the site by the end of April, so keep an eye on www.themanbroiderer.com for the release, There are two test shots below of the finished designs, you don’t want to miss them.