Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery 2021 Exhibition
Hand & Lock announces the annual Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery 2021 Exhibition to take place from 3rd-7th November at the much-loved iconic London landmark Bargehouse part of the Oxo Tower Wharf. The annual prize-giving event is a significant part of the London fashion calendar where industry professionals, designers and influencers congregate to see the latest embroidery talent.
Each year the Prize opens with an online registration, closing in April, followed by a two-month window when entrants can upload evidence of their work. Entrants are encouraged to follow a written brief and, if selected for the second round, work with an expert mentor to perfect their submission in time for a final live judging event in November.
‘This is such a big opportunity for our finalists of this year and last, we recognise the importance of craft within our culture and society of today and hope that this exhibition will be a springboard for all our exhibitors and an amazing experience for our guests.’ – Jessica Pile – Production Director.
Judging at event and awards. Courtesy Hand & Lock
The exhibition welcomes embroidery enthusiasts, contemporary art lovers, students, fashion influencers and London tourists alike. This season the Hand & Lock Prize exhibition has expanded, proudly taking over the residence of the historic four-storey Bargehouse for five days from 3rd -7th November. The exhibition is accompanied by a curated schedule of talks, events and workshops based around the preservation of contemporary embroidered arts and craftsmanship. Over the course of the exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to book onto taster sessions, day long workshops and hear how embroidery practitioners are adapting to an increasingly technological and mechanised world. A full schedule of events, classes and talks along with the names of guest speakers will be announced soon.
Industry expert judges join Hand & Lock at the November exhibition to judge the finalists’ work displayed, and announce the winners at the Prize giving event, who will each share a part of the extensive prize fund. The expert judges include Anthea Godfrey, Jenny King, Karen Nicol, Elizabeth Elvin, Justine Bonenfant, Polly Kenny and Polly Leonard, whom between them have showcased their skills and knowledge amongst international fashion brands and within the industry for many decades. Prizes range from associate awards, from industry professionals and companies to monetary rewards for the 1st place winners.
Last year with the pandemic, the Hand & Lock Prize went virtual however, for 2021 the brand and foundation are thrilled to celebrate the creative industry once again in person. Tickets are available to purchase online:
£8.50 general admission- https://www.handembroideryshop.com/products/embroidered-arts
£10.50 general admission and guided tour – https://www.handembroideryshop.com/products/guided-tour
About The Hand & Lock Prize:
The Hand & Lock Prize was first established in 2000, to give new designers, interested in embroidery, the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain vital exposure and experience. In recent years, it has been expanded to include textile artists, interior and accessory designers as well as those working in fashion. The competition strives to highlight the exquisite craftsmanship and skill that goes into this intricate craft and bring together the whole embroidery community to celebrate each other’s works.
Since first being established, the prize receives thousands of entries from fashion students and talented embroiderers from all over the world. Former winners have gone on to start their own successful businesses, work in the industry for top design houses and even join the in-house team at Hand & Lock.
https://handembroidery.com/the-prize/prize-2020-categories/
About Hand & Lock:
With over 200 years of experience, premium British embroidery house Hand & Lock, has created embellishment, embroidery and monogramming for the Royal Family, the military and iconic fashion houses including Dior, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
The Hand & Lock central London atelier offers a range of services from hand monograms and bridal customisation to goldwork blazer badges and bespoke machine embroidery. The heritage brand has built its excellence on creating bespoke embroidery that can be incorporated onto fashion, home interiors and accessories. Hand & Lock pride themselves on the fact that the design methods and embroidery techniques continue to live on, since first being established in 1767.
Hand & Lock are no longer just craftsmen and women but also teachers and promoters of the fine art of embroidery. With a long heritage to protect and preserve a timeless craft, the team now operate classes around the world teaching the traditional skills of embroidery and banging the drum for quality British craftsmanship.
Hand & Lock are committed to sharing their timeless embroidery know how and inspiring the next generation of embroiderers. Since 2001, Hand & Lock have promoted a programme of embroidery education and advancement by creating their annual international embroidery competition ‘The Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery’ and establishing the ‘Hand & Lock School for Embroidery’ which now operates workshops and classes around the world.
