EMBROIDERER, Royal School of Needlework tutor and Army spouse Sara Dennis has launched her first collection to be showcased in the north of England at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh.
Her work, An Apprentice’s Journey, is a collection of embroidery pieces revealing her progression from novice stitcher to trained professional during her three years on the Future Tutor Programme at the Royal School of Needlework.
Sara said: “Embroidery has long been a hobby of mine, then it became my passion and now it’s my career. After my career in nursing and the Forces, I gained a degree in Art History and Museum studies from Lancaster University and then started the Royal School of Needlework Future Tutor programme where all the pieces for An Apprentice’s Journey were created.
“With my husband also in the Forces, I’ve led a peripatetic life, so I’ve been lucky enough to have collected many experiences and influences on my travels. I’m particularly drawn to the ethnic and eclectic, which you’ll see through exhibition.
“Embroidery has always held a fascination for me. Exploring the history, techniques and examples from around the world has been a joy, as I have learned more and more about this extraordinary craft.”
Sara also teaches embroidery at other prestigious establishments such as The Victoria and Albert Museum and The British Library and has worked on several high-profile commissions including Magna Carta (An Embroidery) designed by artist Cornelia Parker for the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta and the Game of Thrones Hardhome Embroidery.
During the exhibition run, Farfield Mill will also be hosting a meet-the- maker event on Sunday 15 April from 2pm-5pm, providing visitors with the opportunity to come and enjoy the work, meet Sara and ask her questions about the collection.
An Apprentice’s Journey runs daily 10.30am-4pm from 11 April until 21 May 2018.