Knowing from primary school days that all she wanted to do was stitch, Jenny obtained one of only 6 coveted places for a 3-year apprenticeship with the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court.
The RSN was founded by Lady Victoria Welby to give genteel employment to "ladies", who had fallen on hard times. The organisation flourished and expanded. Well-known designers were brought in and items were created for great State occasions like the coffin cover for Queen Victoria's funeral and Queen Elizabeth's Coronation train.
Having completed her apprenticeship, Jenny spent 10 years in the Studio at RSN working to their exacting standards of perfection. We were fascinated to learn that she was the one working on Catherine Middleton's wedding dress up until 2am on the morning of the wedding!
The arrival of Jenny's baby daughter brought a change of direction. She decided to go free-lance and, with her own home-studio, she now divides her time 50/50 between commissioned work and teaching.
Her teaching skills were experienced by those on the very enjoyable, two day workshop at which they learnt the intricate methods to create their own millefiore brooch.
Unfortunately there are no photos of these available, just one of the happy group who took part!
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