Unveiling the Past, Revealing the Future
Depicting the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and its legacy, this three-dimensional embroidery challenges the historical devaluation of textile art. It encourages reflection on the value of handmade work, human touch and meaningful connection in an increasingly mechanised and digital global world.
Box One: The Casket
Inspired by 17th-century caskets, stumpwork techniques are applied with the addition of Bayeux stitch and appliqué. Topped with a scene of Ironbridge Gorge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Hand embroidery, stumpwork, Bayeux stitch, appliqué. 21 × 17 × 32 cm
Box Two: The White Chest
Whitework embroidered chest styled with an Art Nouveau design. The flowing, organic shapes and nature-inspired motifs aimed to bring a sense of harmony and beauty into a world increasingly dominated by industry and mechanism.
Hand embroidery, whitework, needleweaving, beadwork. 15 × 11.5 × 13 cm
Box Three: The Jewelled Box
Showcases the development of art embroidery and its renewed interest in the decorative art of India and the Far East in 1851. Goldwork techniques are used, utilising some of the modern-day colours now available.
Hand embroidery, goldwork, beading. 14 × 10.5 × 11 cm
Box Four: The Japanese Box
Designed to depict cupping hands, it represents the cherished value of the handmade and contains the few pieces of equipment required to create the whole collection.
Hand embroidery, goldwork. 7 × 6 × 7 cm
At a time when technology shapes how we create and consume, I value the handmade as a tactile, human and meaningful connection.
Additional studio imagery supplied by the artist