Royal School of Needlework – Whitework Handkerchief inspired by Jane Austen a

To celebrate the 2024 Jane Austen Festival in Bath, please join us at the Holburne Museum on 13 September to create a beautiful Georgian-inspired Whitework handkerchief. You will also have an opportunity to view many of the museum’s magnificent objects including exquisite embroideries and  Georgian portraits.

During the class, RSN Tutor, Deborah Wilding will show you how to create this fine cotton lawn hankie decorated with stops of French Knots, Satin Stitch leaves eyelets for petals and Stem Stitch lines. She will also show you the techniques needed to add a fine hem around your finished piece.

The decoration of fine fabric hankies was a popular gift in Georgian times. If you’re attending the Jane Austen Festival (13-24 September) you may decide to accessorize your outfit with your handkerchief or simply use it as part of your everyday handbag essentials.

The class cost includes all materials and necessary equipment. You may like to bring your own embroidery scissors and magnifiers if you need them, but you will be able to borrow ring frames and scissors on the day. All aspects of the design will be covered during the class and a full instruction booklet will be included in the kit to enable you to complete the design at home.

The Holburne Museum is the starting point for the Festival’s famous Regency Costumed Promenade when over 500 people in Regency dress walk through the streets of Bath to the Assembly rooms. This famous building also has a starring role in Bridgerton as the home of the character, Lady Danbury.

Jane Austen and her family lived nearby the Museum at No 4 Sydney Place from October 1801 to the summer of 1804. She also attended activities in Sydney Gardens, just behind the Holburne grounds, when they were operating as pleasure gardens in the 1800s.

This event includes entrance to the exhibition, You will be able to visit the exhibition at lunchtime and after the class until the museum closes at 5pm.