Join us for this creative course in collaboration with the Royal School of Needlework. In this one-day course, you will learn how to stitch this unique design, inspired by  beautiful vintage lace pin cushion, inspired by by the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance, at the King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

Your day will begin with a Curator-led highlights tour of Drawing the Italian Renaissance. This design is inspired by a botanical study by Leonardo da Vinci  and features in the exhibition  The drawing, which depicts a star-of-Bethlehem (among other botanical specimens) in a mixture of red chalk, pen and ink, captures the dynamic swirl of the leaves at the base of the plant, as well as its star-shaped flowers.

During the course itself, RSN Tutor Natalie Rowe will introduce you to to a number of surface stitches chosen to reflect the mark making and delicate shading of the original drawing. Van Dyke stitch and raised chain band create the impression of shadows between the leaves, imitating the strokes of Leonardo’s study, while seeding, in a delicate silk thread, softly shades the background.

The outlines are worked in stem stitch, chain stitch and back stitch, and finally details are added to the flowers using detached chain stitches and French knots. All the stitches will be covered on the day and you will be provided with a detailed instruction booklet to enable you to complete the design after the class.

This class is suitable for all levels and your kit will include everything you require to complete the project after the class. You may like to bring your own battery operated magnifiers but please do not bring scissors as you will be able to borrow ring frames and scissors on the day.

Tea/coffee will be provided during a short break in the morning. Please bring a packed lunch and any drinks you may require during the day. We will have a lunch break at approximately 1pm-1.30pm.