Dating back over 1000 years, with its roots in religious and royal embroidery, goldwork has a luxurious and opulent quality. Goldwork embroidery uses a wide variety of metal threads including gilt copper and silver and can be combined with other techniques such as silk shading  to produce sumptuous effects.

The RSN is renowned for its teaching of goldwork and the traditional methods are used in churchwork, livery and royal commissions.

Today, in addition to ecclesiastical, ceremonial and military applications, contemporary goldwork designs are used in the fashion industry and interior design.

RSN goldwork technique courses

Upcoming Goldwork courses

Self-Paced Video Online Courses

Our Self-Paced Video Online Courses include a variety of Goldwork designs. Choose from the Introduction to Goldwork with a flower design, and two ‘Next Step’ courses of a butterfly in Goldwork & Silk Shading and 18th Century inspired design in Goldwork & Ribbonwork.

Find out more

Goldwork examples from the RSN

goldwork courses at the Royal school of needlework
goldwork owl produced by a goldwork course student
Dublin goldwork course student flower piece
silk shading and goldwork flower produced by course student
goldwork courses are availble all year round at the rsn
stumpwork courses at the royal school of needlework
goldwork butterfly stencil layout
goldwork butterfly planning
goldwork squirrel produced by royal school of needlework student
canvas and goldwork courses available at the royal school of needlework
goldwork courses are available at the rsn
the royal school of needlework provides goldwork courses
embroidery finishing services
embroidery text for sale at the rsn shop
goldwork and silk shading pieces
CLeaning and Packing embroidery services
Blue and gold embroidered butterfly full view
Restoration work on antique religous ambroideries