Talk – Hand Embroidery in a Contemporary Context with Lucy-Marie Martin

Discussing the relevance and growth of hand embroidery today, the talk will explore Lucy’s personal experience of the Royal School of Needlework through to industry projects and artworks she has worked on. This talk also explores how hand embroidery is at the forefront of artistic industries and how such an ancient and traditional art form could potentially help to influence the sustainability of our beloved wardrobe and interior pieces.

Exploring creative boundaries by drawing parallels between traditional technical stitch ability and cutting-edge design, Lucy Martin is a specialist hand embroidery practitioner based in the UK. Advocating ethical and sustainable design practice through material choice and mindful production, her work explores the parallels between art and nature, questioning whether the true beauty of nature can be replicated with a needle and thread.

Growing up near the idyllic countryside of the Peak District, Lucy has always been surrounded by natural beauty. Capturing the feeling of serenity and peace she feels when exploring the surrounding landscape, her pieces take inspiration from mineral specimens to florals evoking a sense of place within her artwork. Using hand embroidery to create abstract forms is integral to her practice as she strives to constantly innovate and find new ways of bringing nature into her artwork through the use of innovative materials, techniques and processes.

Trained at the Royal School of Needlework, Lucy is technically adept within the fields of Raised Embroidery, Goldwork and Tambour Beading amongst many others. She has worked for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Ralph and Russo, Hand and Lock and many more.