About

Embroiderers to the British royal family, Savile Row and luxury fashion houses, Hand & Lock opens its doors to the public to offer an insight into Britain’s oldest embroidery house. Alongside guided tours, join a taster class and learn the ancient technique of goldwork.

Hand & Lock’s expert guided tours give you exclusive access to the studio, not usually open to the public. During the tour, visitors are guided around the newly refurbished studio, learning about the history of Hand & Lock and the ancient techniques they still use today. See key pieces held in their on-site archive as Hand & Lock experts explain their integral role in ceremonial British life, as well as seeing live embroidery in the working studio.

The goldwork taster workshop is taught in the beautifully renovated School for Embroidery and Creative Arts. The class takes you on a magical journey through the history of hand embroidery through to modern-day contemporary application. Goldwork is the art of embroidery using metal threads. Historically associated with ceremonial and military uniform, the technique is now also popular in customisation, couture and interior design. During the workshop, create a coronation-inspired piece of your own using this beautiful technique.