Michelle Carragher | Mr X Stitch

This July, British embroidery house, Hand & Lock will be hosting a conference and exhibition dedicated to the subject of embroidery. An eclectic lineup of expert speakers will offer fascinating insight about the long history of embellishment in culture, fashion and society. Finally, leading trend predictor Geraldine Wharry will reveal the key embroidery trends we can expect to see emerge in the future. The full list of speakers secured for the conference include: Senior Embroidery Designer at Ralph & Russo, Justine Avril Principal Costume Embroiderer on Game of Thrones Michele Carragher Fashion Historian, Amber Butchart Director of the Textile Research Centre, Dr Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood Artistic Director of the Embroiderers’ Guild, Anthea Godfrey Senior Curators of the Imperial War Museum, Alan Jeffreys and Martin Boswell Trend Forecaster Geraldine Wharry The conference will also include an exclusive exhibition which features unique Hand & Lock archival pieces curated in association with the London College of Fashion. This exhibition is also a rare chance to see a special collection of one-of-a-kind embroidered handbags made in association with top international design houses. Hand & Lock X Vivienne Westwood Hand & Lock partnered with designers including Vivienne Westwood, Patrick Cox, Lulu Guinness as well as brands such as Aspinal of London, Asprey, House of Holland and Agnes B to create 13 bags that reflect the long heritage of Hand & Lock as well as the design ethos of each respective brand. The bags will be auctioned by Sotheby's later in the year to raise funds for QEST and the H&L Prize for Embroidery; two British charities supporting emerging designers and craftspeople. Held at London’s prestigious Bishopsgate Institute, the exhibition takes place on the 12th and 13th July with the conference taking place on the 13th. Students, enthusiasts, craftivists, designers and those working in fashion and design can benefit from the talks on offer which are conceived especially to stimulate inspiration and creativity. Organisers of the exhibition and conference, Hand & Lock are celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2017 and the event is an opportunity to highlight exquisite british craftsmanship, share the fascinating history and skills to help preserve this declining art. A rare once in a lifetime opportunity for the embroidery, craft and fashion communities to share their knowledge and skills and better sustain the collective creativity. LOCATION: The Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4QH DATES: Exhibition, 12 - 13 July 2017 / Conference, 13 July 2017 PRICES: Exhibition, £5.00 / Conference, £85.00 (includes entry to exhibition) BOOKING URL: handembroidery.com/about/250-years-global-celebration/london-conference/