Hand Embroidery Class inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
including a visit to the Print Room at Windsor Castle
- This event is in the past
- 10:00 – 16:30
- £200.00
- Tickets for this creative course will be sold through the Royal School of Needlework. To book your place, please click 'Book Now' below which will take you to the booking page on the RSN website.
- Adults
On what would be Leonardo's 574th birthday, join us to learn how to stitch this unique design, inspired by the most important surviving group of his work in the world.
Your day will begin with a visit to the magnificent Print Room at Windsor Castle and a one-hour introductory talk to Leonardo da Vinci, led by Head of Prints and Drawings Martin Clayton. Usually reserved for those with a research appointment only, this course offers a rare chance to visit the beautiful Print Room at Windsor Castle and see these exceptional works up close.
The video below offers a taste of Martin's work in the Print Room where nearly 600 of Leonardo's drawings are housed and cared for. Amongst these is Leonardo's drawing of a Star-of-Bethlehem (among other botanical specimens) in a mixture of red chalk, pen and ink. The drawing captures the dynamic swirl of the leaves at the base of the plant, as well as its star-shaped flowers which Natalie has carefully copied in her design.
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. In the motif, 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.
Practical Information
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 and coffee will be available for you to help yourself to throughout the day. Please bring a packed lunch and any drinks you may require during the day, as there will not be an opportunity to leave the Castle until the end of the course. We will have a lunch break at approximately 1:00pm-1.30pm.
Martin Clayton on Leonardo da Vinci at Windsor Castle Copyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited
