Free Impact and Legacy Exhibition

Bankside Gallery in London
23 February - 7 March 2027
11am - 6pm

Fragile Threads will culminate in an exhibition entitled Nature’s Fragile Threads, which will include historical embroideries and designs from the Royal School of Needlework’s Collection and Archive alongside contemporary works by embroiderers within and beyond the RSN community and by members of our Fragile Threads partner groups.

Nature’s Fragile Threads will illustrate how embroidery has served as a witness to biodiversity and species loss over the course of centuries, and how embroiderers within the UK and outside of it have used nature to inspire, emote, reflect, and mourn. With embroidered objects spanning more than 300 years, multiple continents, and innumerable techniques and stitches, the exhibition will consider what in nature has been lost, what has been gained, and where we now stand.

More details to follow later this year.

Short Courses

In 2027, the RSN will be launching a series of embroidery classes linked to the core messages of Fragile Threads.

More details to follow later this year.

Symposium

In addition to our standout exhibition our second RSN Embroidery Conference will lead with the theme of Fragile Threads, featuring a programme of invited speakers.

Get in touch

Fragile Threads is more than a project; it is an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. Through creativity, conversation, and shared experiences, we aim to highlight both the beauty and fragility of the environments that sustain us.

Together, we can inspire awareness, spark connection, and help weave a new narrative for people and planet. For more information and to keep up with events visit the News and Exhibition section of this website.