Inspired by the famous painting The Laughing Cavalier housed in The Wallace Collection, Emma has designed an embroidery workshop that delves into the image’s history and iconography. After learning about the richly painted textiles in the painting, participants will embroider a beautiful bee motif on Irish linen, learning the stitches and techniques needed to create their finished piece.

All participants must be able to hand sew – beginners to embroidery are welcome. The workshop is designed to accommodate different levels of skill. Children from aged 14 are welcome, if accompanied by a parent/guardian.

All materials are provided and participants can take their work home in the hoops for £3. If you have a hoop at home, you are welcome to bring it along. (Hoop size between 6″-9″).

Emma Whitehead has been a textile artist for over 20 years. Throughout her stitching journey, she has shared her expertise with community groups and people interested in exploring the possibilities of surface embroidery. As co-director of the artist-led gallery Top Floor Art Gallery & Open Studios, she manages the TFA Studio Group; with an established reputation for excellent facilitation of traditional textile skills, the group have been engaged by organisations such as Lagan Navigation Trust, ArtsEkta and Harmony Community Trust to deliver workshop programmes and participation opportunities for the public.