Royal School of Needlework brings Regency craftsmanship to Buxton

New partnership with Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust brings world-class embroidery expertise to Buxton in March 2027

Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), bringing its internationally renowned expertise in hand embroidery to Buxton for the first time.

Founded in 1872 and based at Hampton Court Palace, The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is the go-to place for hand embroidery, a charity inspiring people around the world to learn, create and explore this timeless art form. Through education, conservation, research and the teaching of both traditional and contemporary techniques, the RSN preserves and promotes the heritage of hand embroidery.

In March 2027, The Buxton Crescent Hotel will host two exclusive RSN workshops inspired by the elegance and craftsmanship of the Regency period.

A Regency Heart: Goldwork & Embellishment takes place on 22 March, offering an accessible introduction to Goldwork and decorative embellishment. Inspired by the ornate motifs found on Regency slippers, participants will learn techniques including decorative Chain Stitch, beadwork and Chipping – a traditional Goldwork technique using tiny pieces of metal purl to create a shimmering, light-catching surface.

This is followed by Regency in Bloom: Silk Shading & Goldwork, a two-day workshop on 23 and 24 March. Working in a delicate palette of pink, white and gold, participants will combine the gentle colour gradients of Silk Shading with the texture and brilliance of traditional Goldwork, learning techniques including Cutwork, metal thread work, Pearl Purl couching and Chipping.

Both workshops will be led by RSN tutors and are designed to appeal to both experienced embroiderers and those keen to develop new creative skills, with participants creating their own Regency-inspired piece to take home.

Matthew Howarth, Events Manager at Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Royal School of Needlework to bring these exceptional workshops to Buxton. The Regency period is such an important part of the story of the Crescent and of Buxton as a spa town, so this is a wonderful opportunity to explore that heritage through craftsmanship and creativity.

Having RSN tutors here in Buxton gives people the chance to learn from some of the country’s leading embroidery specialists, while experiencing the historic character of our town. We hope the workshops will appeal both to experienced embroiderers and to those who simply want to try something new in a truly special setting.”

Lucy Martin, Head of Contemporary Programmes, Royal School of Needlework said:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust and bringing the expertise of the Royal School of Needlework to such a beautiful and historic setting. These workshops offer a wonderful opportunity to explore Regency-inspired embroidery while sharing the skills and traditions of hand embroidery with new audiences.”

The partnership provides a unique opportunity to combine the expertise of The Royal School of Needlework (RSN), the go-to place for hand embroidery and a charity inspiring people around the world to learn, create and explore this timeless art form, with the heritage of Buxton’s historic spa town and its strong Regency connections. It also represents an exciting new way of bringing heritage to life through creativity, craftsmanship and learning.

A Regency Heart: Goldwork & Embellishment
22 March 2027 | One day

Regency in Bloom: Silk Shading & Goldwork
23 & 24 March 2027 | Two days

For further information and bookings: Visit www.BuxtonCrescentExperience.com/what’s-on or pop into the Pump Room, Buxton.