The Embroiderers’ Guild celebrating Capability Brown

The Embroiderers Guild exhibition at Petworth House

Inspired by Petworth Park’s Capability Brown landscape, local Embroiderers’ Guilds have come together to present an innovative exhibition of beautiful textiles.

By using techniques such as mixed media, felting, machine and hand stitching, these unique and high quality pieces of textile art will challenge the idea of traditional embroidery.

This exhibition is the first of its kind, celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great landscape gardener Capability Brown. The exhibition brings together 10 local Embroiderers’ Guilds from Chichester, Worthing, Horsham and Dorking, including two Young Embroiderers groups.

Enjoy viewing works inspired by the the landscape at Petworth. Work by Barbara Overall
Enjoy viewing works inspired by the the landscape at Petworth
Enjoy viewing works inspired by the the landscape at Petworth. Work by Barbara Overall

Several members have chosen to interpret Petworth Park, whilst others have taken inspiration from the ancient trees, woodlands and animals that are associated with the surrounding Sussex countryside.

“Stitching these days is no longer 'what my granny did with tea trays' but shows a huge range of artistic possibilities all of which we hope will appeal, says Amanda Blunden from the Embroiderers’ Guild.

All the works have been hand stitched using a variety of techniques. Work by Liz Ellis
All the works have been hand stitched using a variety of techniques
All the works have been hand stitched using a variety of techniques. Work by Liz Ellis

The exhibition is open from Sat 19 Mar – Sun 4 Sept, 11am - 4.30pm at Petworth House and is just one of the exhibitions taking place as part of the national Capability Brown Festival. For more information, please see https://embroiderersguild.com and http://www.capabilitybrown.org/

Upcoming events

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Petworth’s Royal Academicians

Wed 14 Nov 2018
11:00-15:30
In the North Gallery, to mark the Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary, Petworth House are highlighting ten works of painting and sculpture by founders and members of the Royal Academy such as Reynolds, Turner and Flaxman.

Exhibition: Elizabeth Ilive - A Woman Ahead of Her Time

Wed 14 Nov 2018
11:00-17:00
Discover the remarkable life and achievements of a pioneering woman who lived at Petworth around the 1800s. This interactive exhibition includes a reimagining of the laboratory she developed at Petworth.

A Georgian Christmas

Sat 01 Dec 2018
11:00-15:30
Celebrate the festive season in opulent Georgian style with selected rooms of the House and Servants Quarters dressed for a Georgian style Christmas and discover some traditions both old and new.

Volunteering Coffee Morning

Thu 13 Dec 2018
11:00-13:00
Interested in volunteering at Petworth? Join us for a free and relaxed coffee morning to find out more and meet our friendly team.

Prized Possessions - Dutch Masterpieces from National Trust Houses

Sat 26 Jan 2019
10:30-14:15
Prized Possessions celebrates the enduring British taste for collecting Dutch paintings and explores how and why this style of Art was desired, commissioned and displayed.