In this captivating episode of our podcast, we welcome Lucy Martin, Head of Education at Hand & Lock, the renowned London embroidery house with a history dating back to 1767. With an infectious passion for embroidery and education, Lucy takes us on a journey through her career, from her early love of textiles to working with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, celebrities, and even royalty.
Lucy shares how she transitioned from a background in fine art textiles and embroidery to her leadership role at Hand & Lock, where she plays a pivotal role in expanding their education programs. She delves into the intricate world of couture embroidery, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that goes into each bespoke piece, whether it’s intricate goldwork or a machine-embroidered masterpiece.
Textile Talk with Lucy Martin
Listen to the episode on your favourite podcast platform or click the link below to listen now.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Lucy Martin’s Embroidery Journey
Lucy’s journey into embroidery began with a deep-rooted passion for textiles, and she shares how her studies in fine art textiles laid the foundation for a remarkable career. Her path led her to work on extraordinary projects, from intricate couture pieces to large-scale commissions for celebrities and royalty. She reflects on the importance of preserving traditional embroidery techniques while embracing modern innovations, ensuring that the craft remains relevant in today’s fashion industry. Through her work at Hand & Lock, Lucy is dedicated to educating the next generation of embroiderers, ensuring these time-honoured skills continue to thrive.
Collaborations
A key highlight of this episode is Lucy’s behind-the-scenes insight into working on high-profile collaborations. She shares fascinating stories about creating pieces for figures like Brian May, whose embroidered jacket for the Platinum Jubilee became an iconic statement.
Listeners will also get an inside look at her work on the upcoming Gladiator 2 film, where historical accuracy and craftsmanship play a crucial role in costume design. Through these projects, Lucy explains the detailed process behind bespoke embroidery commissions, from initial concept sketches to the final stitch, offering a rare glimpse into the patience and artistry required to bring such designs to life.
Hand& Lock’s Education
Another key focus of our conversation is the expansion of Hand & Lock’s education department. Lucy discusses how they are making world-class embroidery training accessible to students globally, offering courses that cater to both beginners and experienced textile artists. She highlights the importance of community-building through embroidery, from informal online sessions like Sip and Stitch to structured diploma-level programs that provide professional accreditation. By fostering a global network of embroidery enthusiasts, Hand & Lock is ensuring that these skills are passed down and continuously developed.
Future Aspirations and Potential Book Plans
Lucy highlights the importance of fostering a community among embroidery enthusiasts. From free online sessions like Sip and Stitch to structured diploma-level training, she shares how Hand & Lock is creating opportunities for people to connect and learn.
What’s next for Lucy? She shares her vision for the future of embroidery education and hints at the possibility of writing a book to further inspire and educate embroidery enthusiasts.
Lucy’s warmth, expertise, and enthusiasm make this episode a must-listen for anyone fascinated by embroidery, fashion, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re an aspiring textile artist, a professional looking to expand your skills, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry behind haute couture, you’ll be inspired by Lucy’s incredible journey and the exciting future of embroidery education at Hand & Lock.
You can follow Lucy on Instagram. Don’t forget to tune in now to hear Lucy Martin’s story and discover the artistry behind some of the most exquisite embroidery in the world!
