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.

Join them for their new London Craft Week goldwork crown taster workshop and explore the realm of goldwork embroidery. Guided by their expert hand embroidery tutors, learn essential skills for this intricate craft, including the fundamental techniques of metal thread work. Explore the rich history and tradition woven into goldwork embroidery as you learn how to combine threads and beautifully finish your design with couture methods.

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. Using threads that are imitation gold, silver, copper, or coloured allows embroiderers to create metallic surface designs that reflect light and create dazzling effects.