The Collection

The Guild has a magnificent collection of embroidery dating from Coptic times to 2013.

The Collection started from humble beginnings. Embroideries, photographs, articles on embroidery and original designs were accumulated for the purpose of distribution, in boxes to members. They were called ‘Model Boxes’. They were the forerunners of present day folios used by members and Guild branches for study, inspiration and learning.

The Collection received a substantial boost when our then Patron, Queen Mary, made a significant donation of a wide range of pieces. This, coupled with increasing numbers of pieces being donated by members, formed the basis of the Collection we have today. In 1935, 15 pieces of historic embroidery were bequeathed by Lady Mary Cayley, including some of our 17th century pieces.

Over the years the Collection has been stored in a number of locations including, until recently Hampton Court Palace and before that in Wimpole Street, London and, during WW2, many pieces were moved to the relative safety of members’ homes.

Today, there are c.11,000 catalogued items in the Collection. These comprise pieces spanning more than six centuries and many countries. Catalogued items also include designs, threads and needlework tools.

Items from the Collection are loaned to museums and art galleries. There is now a touring exhibition of over a hundred selected pieces and a permanent exhibition of nearly 200 pieces for Guild members in Embroiderers’ Guild House in Walton-on-Thames.

The current touring exhibition is "The Calm during the Storm" and is a selection of over 70 pieces from the Collection produced during both world wars and is on display at Letchworth Art Centre until 28 August 2014. More details on the exhibition here