EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
Listed below are a selection of textile-related exhibitions and events. Click on the title (underlined) to be taken to the relevant website and learn more. Events at the same venue are grouped together. We hope you enjoy your visit – whether online or in person. Or visit our Facebook page which is regularly updated with exciting new textile events.
This new exhibition delves deep into the Embroiderers’ Guild larger-than-life items in their collection. Discover Bucks Museum, in conjunction with EG Trustees have curated a varied selection of pieces that emphasise both the physical scale of the works and the broader themes of creativity, skill, and the impact of textiles as powerful visual statements. Seasoned stitchers and newcomers to the world of textiles alike are sure to find these larger-than-life pieces inspiring. See film clip information by curator Nina here.
On until 31st December 2025
Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP
See also talks, workshops and courses by the Embroiderers’ Guild.
MORRIS MANIA; how Britain’s greatest designer went viral
This exhibition showcases the remarkable versatility and lasting influence of William Morris’s designs in popular culture, both in Britain and abroad.
Until Sunday 21st September 2025
The William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP
HAND AND LOCK; in person and online classes
Hand and Lock offer a wide range of classes, courses and examination opportunities in subjects that reflect their distinctive character and heritage.
KABUKI KIMONO; Costumes of Bando Tamasaburo V
A NEW set of striking kabuki costumes belonging to the kabuki actor Bandō Tamasaburō V is on show this winter in the Ashmolean's Textile Gallery, until December 2025. Tamasaburō is the most popular and celebrated onnagata (male actor who performs female roles) currently on the kabuki stage.
The costumes selected reflect the wide variety of roles in this actor's long and celebrated theatre career, from court ladies and courtesans to fairy princesses.
Until 9th November 2025
Textiles Gallery 5, Lower ground floor, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
SHELTON TAPESTRY MAP; OXFORDSHIRE
Woven in wool and silk, this huge Elizabethan tapestry map is currently on display at the Weston Library. See also a film by the Bodleian’s Maps team, about this spectacular tapestry map.
Blackwell Hall, Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
Stitched to commemorate the Millennium and made of over 130 separate pieces of embroidery; the Village Panel celebrates Sunbury’s character and location next to the River Thames.
Enjoy a video of the embroidery through this link.
Sunbury Embroidery Gallery, The Walled Garden, Thames Street, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 6AB
This exhibition celebrates the ancient and deep entanglement between textiles, people and the world we live in. Through the beauty of textiles, you will encounter human ingenuity that can be traced from pre-history to our digital age.
Also, on display is Connecting Threads, a display of work by UK based artist Lynn Setterington. Through textiles Lynn challenges contemporary issues in society and how stitch can be used to commemorate people and communities.
Until 7th September 2025
Fashion and Textile Museum, London SE1 3XF
See also WORKSHOPS and TALKS at the FTM
This major exhibition features more than 350 objects, including precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks, charting the evolution of Cartier’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
Until 16th November 2025
The V and A Museum, London
GRAYSON PERRY; DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur presents over 40 new works by Sir Grayson Perry (1960). In the largest contemporary exhibition ever held at the museum, visitors encounter ceramics, tapestries, and works on paper, displayed alongside masterpieces from the collection that helped shape Perry’s vision for this landmark show. See promotional video here.
Until 26th October 2025
The Wallace Collection, London W1U 3BN
DRESS CODES; Decoding the Royal ceremonial dress collection
This exhibition features “never seen before” royal fashion treasures and explores the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed, and dress codes evolve. See video trailer here.
Until 30th November 2025
Kensington Palace, London W8 4PX
Other dates for your diary:
FESTIVAL OF QUILTS
NEC Birmingham – Thursday 31st July – Sunday 3rd August
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/
KNITTING & STITCHING SHOWS
Alexandra Palace, London – Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th October
Harrogate – Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd November
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london/