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Mastering Medieval Embroidery with Dr. Jessica Grimm: 8th – 15th August 2026

8 days

Mastering Medieval Embroidery with Dr. Jessica Grimm:  8th – 15th August 2026
An Advanced Retreat for Experienced Stitchers in Provins, France

Join internationally renowned medieval embroidery specialist Dr. Jessica Grimm for a week of artistic focus and historical exploration in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Provins, just over an hour from Paris.

This retreat is specifically designed for intermediate to advanced stitchers who are ready to expand their skills and delve deeper into the techniques, materials, and traditions of medieval embroidery. With five full days of tuition (30 hours), you’ll receive expert instruction rooted in the historical practices of ecclesiastical and manuscript embroidery—perfect for those looking to refine their craftsmanship and deepen their knowledge.

Our base for the week is the elegant Aux Vieux Remparts, a historic hotel located within the fortified heart of Provins. With peaceful gardens, a welcoming spa, and panoramic views over the medieval town, it provides the perfect retreat setting.

Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy daily lunches at the hotel’s brasserie and evening dinners with wine, offering time to relax and share inspiration with fellow embroiderers. On two evenings, we’ll step outside the hotel to dine at carefully selected local restaurants in Provins’ historic square, adding variety and a taste of authentic regional cuisine to the experience.

A highlight of the retreat is our curated excursion to the Musée de Sens, home to one of France’s most important collections of medieval liturgical embroidery. You'll view richly detailed copes, chasubles, and altar frontals—many dating back to the Carolingian and Gothic periods—offering rare insight into the materials and motifs that continue to inspire Jessica's work.

We’ll also enjoy a short guided tour of Provins, known for its historic merchant fairs and well-preserved medieval architecture, from watchtowers to subterranean passages.

Retreat Highlights

  • 5 days (30 hours) of advanced tuition with Dr. Jessica Grimm
  • For intermediate to advanced stitchers
  • Accommodation at Aux Vieux Remparts, Provins
  • Daily lunch and most dinners included (with wine)
  • Two evenings dining at local restaurants in Provins
  • Excursion to the Musée de Sens and its medieval embroidery collection
  • Guided walking tour of Provins

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About

About The Host

Dr Jessica Grimm

Dr Jessica Grimm

Jessica holds a doctorate in archaeology from the University of Groningen, Netherlands. After a career in archaeozoology, she embarked on an embroidery adventure in 2010 with the Royal School of Needlework Certificate and Diploma. She became an RSN-tutor and taught at Hampton Court Palace, in the US and led the Rotterdam-Satellite in the Netherlands. She’s also taught for various needlework stores in the Netherlands, ArtTextil in Dachau, Germany and the National Silk Museum in Hangzhou, China.

After visiting a major medieval goldwork embroidery exhibition in her native Netherlands in 2015, Jessica started studying and recreating these stunning embroideries. She currently compiles a database of all surviving medieval goldwork embroideries in order to answer research questions regarding the origin of or nué and the geographical origin of certain diaper patterns. Her classes cater for determined beginners through to the seasoned stitcher.

https://acupictrix.com/

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