Learn a skill at the Batsford Gallery this winter!

Established in 1843, Batsford is an award-winning independent publisher of illustrated books on design, art, crafts and textiles. It recently opened B.T. Batsford, a gallery and bookshop on Hackney Road in London where it hosts an exciting programme of exhibitions and events. For its first series of workshops, it has brought together ten outstanding artists who will each teach a one day class next January. Each course comes with a beautiful gift box containing the material you will need for the class, a notebook published by Batsford and a few surprises. The boxes will be available towards the end of November, well in time to be gifted at Christmas. Lunch, hot drinks and biscuits are included on the day. 

About this workshop: This workshop explore the potential of stitching as a method of mark-making, using stitch, process, and materials as a form of expression. In this workshop you will experience the slowness and rhythms of hand stitching, the versatility and strengths of embroidery for drawing and mark-making, and the pleasure of having time to make. Create textures and patterns, work a stitch in different threads changing its scale and spacing, work freely, and combine stitches to mark, make and draw. Richard will demonstrate how this can be achieved using the simplest hand embroidery techniques. This workshop is for all levels of hand embroiderers.
Good ideas need well and nourished minds; this workshop inspires moments of mindfulness and conditions for creativity, to pause, think, and re-energise.

About the teacher: Richard McVetis is an artist; his practice centres around drawing and process, specifically hand embroidery. He explores themes of geology, cosmology, the language of time, permanence, and impermanence. Spanning the macro and micro, he records time and space through multiple dots, lines, and crosses, exploring the subtle differences that emerge through ritualistic and habitual making. The inscribed stitches mark the hand’s rhythms, a delicate performance of obsessive intricacy, refinement, and gesture. 
Richard McVetis studied at Manchester School of Art before studying at the Royal College of Art, where he now teaches. He has been shortlisted for several distinguished prizes, including the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, UK, 2023; the Jerwood Drawing Prize, UK, 2011 and 2017, and the international Loewe Craft Prize, 2018. In addition, he has shown work nationally and internationally at several exhibitions, including Threads at Arnolfini, UK, 2023; The British Textile Biennial, UK, 2021.

https://www.richardmcvetis.co.uk/

Instagram: @richardmcvetis

Materials supplied: Wool flannel fabric, Stranded Cotton, Perle Cotton, Embroidery hoop, Embroidery Needles, Handout, Postcards. Please note: The gift boxes will be available for pick up from the gallery at the end of November (you will be notified) or can be shipped to you, just specify your preference at checkout. If you choose to pick up from the gallery, you will be offered 10% off the price of books on your visit.

Skills required: No experience necessary.

What to bring on the day: Materials from your gift box, something to take notes, scissors. 

Class size: 10

Refreshments: Lunch is included. Hot drinks and biscuits will be freely available throughout the day.

Cancellation policy: Due to the small class size and the fact that these are unique events, these classes are non refundable.