Learn embroidery with the Royal Society of Needlework

Last year the Guild of St Clare, which is affiliated to the Latin Mass Society, launched a new initiative: 50% sponsorship of a student wishing to do the Certificate course at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). One year on, we are in a position to sponsor a second student to begin the course this September. Our first sponsored student, James Sharpe, has been hard at work for the last academic year. He said: ‘My experience of the school and the course so far has been fantastic. I feel both incredibly privileged and humbled to be taught by experts in the field. The way the course is structured allows for a lot of 1:1 tuition during the course, and I feel like I have already learnt so much in just a few months.’

The Certificate Course is intended as a part-time course for keen amateurs and can readily be fitted around existing work and family commitments. It enables you to develop solid skills and become part of a long tradition of maintaining the highest standards in hand embroidery. Detailed information about the course can be found on the RSN website: royal-needlework.org. uk; the terms and conditions of the sponsorship scheme can be found on the Latin Mass Society’s website.

The RSN represents the gold standard both in terms of the authenticity of historic techniques, and the high level of skills successful completion of its courses implies. The RSN’s headquarters are at Hampton Court Palace on the outskirts of London, with satellite centres in Bristol, Rugby, Durham, Glasgow, and overseas.

An important part of the charism of the Guild is encouraging the teaching of skills essential to our work. We hope that in sponsoring places on the RSN Certificate course we will be assisting in providing the Church with the skilled technicians it needs to maintain and create beautiful vestments and altar furnishings. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for needlework and a commitment to this work for the glory of God.

Written applications should be made by 22nd June to lucyashaw@gmail.com. There is no form to fill in, but your application should include the following information:

• Name and address

• Previous experience / training if any

• A short paragraph (200 words) on your interest in the course, your plans, and your creative background

• Details of a character reference if possible. We hope to interview shortlisted candidates, in London, in mid July.

The successful candidate will need to make his or her own application to the Royal School of Needlework for admission to the Certificate Course.

Crewelwork by James Sharpe