Gold Embroidery Art Installation at the British Museum

In October 2017 I was thrilled to be invited to run a series of goldwork embroidery workshops in the Great Court of the British Museum as part of the Scythian themed Friday Late.

Visitors from all walks of life had the chance to try their hand at the art of goldwork embroidery and contribute to a Scythian inspired horse sculpture which was displayed in the British Museum for the duration of the exhibition. This was part of an array of activities that happened as part of a special late event that breathed modern life into the ancient cultures of Siberia with music, performances and creative responses to the BP exhibition Scythians: warriors of ancient Siberia.

The installation draws on the Scytian’s love of gold and of horses, taking inspiration from the swirling motifs of objects in the ‘Scythians: warriors of ancient Siberia exhibition. From traditional gold thread couching techniques, to beads and sequins and even gold illustrations, visitors will be able to learn new skills and contribute to the piece. The horse will gather gold throughout the event, inspired by elaborate headdresses Scythians created for their horses. Sculpture created by artist Beatrix Baker.

Scythian inspired gold hand embroidered pieces by yours truly were also available in the museum’s gift shop:

Goldwork Embroidery Materials Kindly Provided by Benton and Johnson