Karen Nicol Winner 2014

The Embroiderers' Guild Beryl Dean Education Award

for

Teaching Excellence

Karen Nicol awarded the Beryl Dean Award for Teaching Excellence 2014

Announced at the Embroiderers' Guild Annual General Meeting at Wyboston Lakes on Saturday 5th April, a formal presentation was made to Karen Nicol of the Beryl Dean Award for Teaching Excellence 2014 at a prestigious reception at St Paul's Cathedral Crypt on Monday 7th April, hosted by Gyles Brandreth. The judging panel for the award comprised the Embroiderers' Guild, Beryl Dean Awards Committee and the Worshipful Company of Broderers in the United Kingdom.

In the presence of HRH Duchess of Gloucester, Patron of the Embroiderers' Guild, and over 80 leaders and practitioners in textile art, Professor Malcolm Lochhead, Chair of the judging panel, presented the four shortlisted moninees and announced Karen the winner.

Opening the event, Gyles Brandreth, a cousin of Beryl Dean, referred to Beryl's passion for art, her skills in stitch, her talent for passing on both to others and that her work remains a shining example of the highest standards. He thanked the Dean of St Paul's for offering the Crypt for the event and for the display of two of her major works in the St Paul's collection of the Hammersmith Cope (1968) and the Jubilee Cope (1977).

Christine Poole, Chairman of the Embroiderers' Guild said that the Award will encourage excellence int he development of both design and technique in embroidery and foster relationships that will maintain and improve infrastructure in embroidery education. The Award will run for ten years.

Professor Malcolm Lochhead paid tribute the the thirteen applicants and the special talents of those shortlisted.

Karen, who is well-recognised for high quality craftsmanship in embroidery and textile art, both in the UK and internationally, as well as extensive teaching and mentoring, said that she was honoured to receive the award and that she is strongly committed through her teaching to maintain the critical skill of embroidery in the 21st century, exploring sculptural forms and working with new materials. In commemoration of the occasion and the award, a special video - "A Fascinating Journey" about Karen's life and work was commissioned by the Embroiderers' Guild and can be viewed here.

Catriona Charlton, the Embroiders' Guild Ambassador for Young Embroiderers, presented HRH the Duchess of Gloucester with a piece of her own work as a gift of thanks, to mark the 40th Anniversary of Young Embroiderers, the division of the Guild for students up to age 24.

Further information on Beryl Dean and the Beryl Dean Education Trust can be viewed on the website www.beryldean.org.uk.