Deborah Wilding

Hand embroidery work, using traditional methods to produce work of exceptionally high quality, is my guiding standard.

I am trained in historically accurate techniques, including Goldwork, Silk Shading, Whitework, Canvas techniques, Stumpwork, Appliqué, Blackwork, Crewelwork among others. My experience includes working on large studio projects and on small scale items for customers.

As well as working on embroidery projects myself, I also teach embroidery skills on behalf of the Royal School of Needlework, other organisations and companies.

Originally from Carlisle in Cumbria, I am now based in North Somerset in England’s West Country. 

After completing the Royal School of Needlework’s ‘Future Tutor’ course (the world’s leading educational establishment for the teaching of hand embroidery to a professional level) and graduating with distinction in 2015, I have been employed by the RSN to teach on the “Certificate and Diploma Programme” their extensive “Day Class Programme - both in the UK and abroad.”, and their very successful online class programme.

In 2021 I began a research degree programme with the Princes Foundation of Traditional Arts looking at the design process of historical embroidery with the intention of using these principles in contemporary embroidery design. 

I launched a RSN Self-Paced Online Video course in July 2018 which teaches the Jacobean Crewelwork technique and a follow on more advanced version in 2023.

In 2023, I was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework who worked on a number of items for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including The Queen’s Robe of Estate, the Anointing Screen, Chairs of State and the Stole Royal.

In my freelance capacity I work from my seaside studio on day class designs, restoration projects, private commissions, as well as teaching private lessons.

In addition to travelling around the UK and abroad I often have students visit me in my home studio. This can involve project planning, designing an embroidery for a special event or celebration or giving one to one lessons in specific techniques, working at the student’s pace and concentrating on specifics. 

My studio space is located in the seafront area of Clevedon, North Somerset. Looking out over the Bristol Channel towards Wales and the Grade I listed Pier, the setting could not be more inspirational.

Experiences

Reviews

Suzanne Krowiak

I had never studied with Deborah Wilding before my week with Creative Experiences, but followed her work from afar and was so excited for the opportunity to to spend time in a classroom with her. It was great fun, and I learned so much! I took home so many tips and tricks that have enhanced my embroidery work. Deborah has a way of putting you at an ease immediately, and rather than being intimidated, I felt grateful to work side-by-side with such a great artist. She shares her knowledge and experiences so freely, and also has a delightful sense of humor, which is just icing on the cake.
And there simply are not enough words to express my gratitude to Nadine and Mark at Creative Experiences for one of the best weeks of my life. I have written about chefs, restaurants, and the hospitality business in my work for several years, and I was completely blown away by the level of service they provide. I felt like I was eating at a Michelin Star restaurant every day, but in an environment that was so relaxed and fun that it felt too good to be true. They know how to make people feel welcome and taken care of, and though I had just met them when I arrived for the week, I felt like I was leaving old friends when it was time to go home. Thank you for this experience you curated… I’ll never forget it.