Kew Book Of Embroidered Flowers

THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK

The commission
In May 2017 I was offered a commission by Search Press in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew to create a book on their botanical art in embroidery. I was in heaven! Not only was the subject matter dear to my heart but I felt very honoured to be associated with this time, honoured institution.

The digital library
Initially I was given access to over 200,000 botanical paintings, by famous explorers and artists such as Sir Joseph Banks, and Sir William Hooker, some of which are over 160 years old. It was a mammoth task to sift through these paintings and compile a selection of paintings to use for reproduction in embroidery. I created Pinterest boards to save my favourites, and by a process of elimination, whittled it down, so I could compile a collection for use in the book.

The manuscript and photography
The stitching, instructions, diagrams and manuscript took over 2 years to create – it was a labour of love and I gave it my all. My daughter Stacey was engaged by Search Press to do the photography which was done in my garden, it was so meaningful to have her involved and I have her to thank for all the gorgeous photographs of my work.

Visit to Kew & Search Press
In 2019 I was able to visit with Search Press and Kew Gardens where I got to meet the lovely people behind the scenes, and see the extensive Kew library in the flesh. The whole experience seemed quite surreal to me and I had to keep pinching myself!

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Published:  June 2020

Editorial

Written by needlework expert Trish Burr and created in association with The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this package contains the sumptuous book and transfers of projects from the book together in a beautiful hardcover binder.

The embroideries are reworkings of botanical artworks from Kew's Art Collection. There is one 'starter' project to encourage readers to try out the techniques, one large sampler containing eighteen small elements that can be worked individually or as a group, and nine further projects, including a striking spider chrysanthemum, an elegant waterlily and an opulent magnolia. All the projects are shown step by step, with an order of work diagram given where appropriate. The templates are included at full size at the back of the book.

NOTE ON AU VER A SOIE THREADS FOR USA

IRON ON TRANSFERS

The Special Folio edition includes iron on transfers for all the projects in the book.

How to get the best results from your iron on transfers.

 

Please Note:  

  • Outlines are indelible and will not wash out.
  • Transfers can be used more than once.  Depending on your iron settings and the fabric you use you should be able to get 1 - 2 prints or more. 

 

 

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