I am an accomplished artistic embroiderer specializing in textile portraiture. My journey began in the 1970s, studying Art and Design/Creative Embroidery in Sheffield, where I challenged traditional approaches to focus on portraiture. My breakthrough came with embroidered portraits of my great-grandparents, a bold move that earned praise despite initial skepticism from my tutors.

For 35 years, I stepped away from embroidery to focus on teaching, family, and sport, but in 2015, I returned to my craft. Initially creating animals and pets, by 2018, I reignited my passion for portraiture. The Covid-19 lockdowns proved transformative, as I spent countless hours at my sewing machine, capturing friends and family in freehand machine embroidery and refining my signature style.

In 2023, my portrait Al’s Best Mate was selected for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, a significant milestone that marked my debut at this prestigious event. In 2024, I was joint winner of the Embroiderers’ Guild Members’ Challenge with Romeo and Juliet, showcasing my mastery of storytelling through textiles.

My work continues to evolve as I explore life models, imaginative compositions, and intricate techniques like french knots and freestyle cross-stitch. With new inspiration from portrait drawing and painting lessons, my art blends tradition with innovation.

When I’m not stitching or painting in Marlow Bottom, I enjoy gardening and golfing at Castle Royle. Sharing my journey and insights, I now give presentations to art and embroidery groups, inspiring others to embrace the endless possibilities of textile art.