With Instragram making people’s work so accessible there’s been a recent resurgence in the art of Embroidery. Artists like hanecdote and boyhardie have brought the craft up to date and are inspiring modern audiences.

Hand & Lock, one of the UK’s most prestigious embroidery houses, are celebrating their 250th birthday this year. The Embellished Handbag which will showcase Hand & Lock archival pieces curated in association with the London College of Fashion is on at the at The City’s Bishopsgate Institute on the 12th and 13th July. The exhibition is a chance to see unique embroidery and will include work by Vivienne Westwood, Lulu Guinness and House of Holland.

As well as the exhibition, Hand & Lock are hosting a one-off conference which will focus on the art of embroidery through the themes of “Heritage”, “The Now” and “The Future”. Each theme will be explored through panel talks and interactive Q&A sessions.

This event is an amazing opportunity for students, designers and enthusiasts to share their skills and knowledge and to hear from experts including Principal Costume Embroiderer on Game of Thrones Michele Carragher, Trend Forecaster Geraldine Wharry, Fashion Historian Amber Butchart and Artistic Director of the Embroiderers’ Guild , Anthea Godfrey among other knowledgeable speakers. Tickets and more information are available on Hand & Lock’s website.