The Royal School of Needlework Author

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is the international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery and offers a range of courses for beginners through to advanced, ranging from short courses to a Degree.

The RSN teaches at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace in south west London; across the UK; internationally in North America and Japan; and Online, opening its doors to stitch lovers around the world. In addition, the Royal School of Needlework offers Embroidery Services at its Studio in Hampton Court Palace creating beautiful bespoke commissions for the future as well as restoring historical textiles and bringing heirlooms back to life. It also offers online talks and exhibitions at its headquarters that are open to all.

RSN Stitch Bank launched in September 2021 by revealing the first 150 stitches as the official opening of the renowned organisation’s 150th anniversary celebrations. More and more stitches continue to be added as part of the aim to digitally conserve and preserve every stitch around the globe.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams has been Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework since 2007. During her time with the RSN, Susan has introduced the Degree in Hand Embroidery; the Professional Embroidery Tutor programme; the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery, regular onsite exhibitions and in particular, in response to lockdown, teaching online and the incredible resource, RSN Stitch Bank.

Susan curated the RSN’s 150^th anniversary exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum and is also author of An Unbroken Thread – Celebrating 150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework and The Story of Colour in Textiles.