About us

What is The Broderers’ Exhibition?

The Broderers’ Exhibition: The Art of Embroidery is an open exhibition, and anyone can enter their artworks to be considered for inclusion. The aim of the Broderers’ Exhibition is to promote the art of embroidery. We believe embroidery art is fine art. We provide artists with a platform to gain exposure, display and sell their artworks, and connect with art lovers.

For all of the artworks selected to exhibit, the artist is the seller of the artwork and the Broderers’ Company takes a 32% commission plus VAT. The proceeds will go to run this exhibition and to promote the art of embroidery.

Information for Artists

Exhibition Dates

  • Tue 25 Feb 2025 – Sun 2 March 2025

Venue

  • Bankside Gallery, Thames Riverside, 48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH

Eligibility

  • Both UK artists and international artists may submit up to four pieces of artwork of high standard embroidery.
  • Entrants must be aged 18 or over at the time of submission of artwork.
  • Artists without a UK residence (known as ‘NETPs’ – non-established taxable persons) have a responsibility to register and account for UK VAT with H.M. Revenue & Customs.
  • Artwork can be hand embroidery, machine embroidery, or combination of both.
  • Both traditional and contemporary artworks are accepted.
  • All works must be original by the artist.
  • All works must be for sale. The price should include the commission of 32% + VAT.
  • Works submitted must be available for the exhibition.

Important Dates

  • Artist Registration: from 1 September 2023 – 31 Aug 2024
  • Artwork Submissions: from 1 May 2024 – 31 Aug 2024
  • Acceptance Notification: October 2024

Selection of Works

  • Selection will be made from digital photographs of finished artwork accompanying the entry form.
  • The selection panel will be formed of members of The Worshipful Company of Broderers and such other persons as the Exhibition Administrator selects.
  • Accepted artists will be notified in October 2024.

Size and Entry Fee

  • The standard entry fee is £30 per work (size: both sides 60cm or under) and the large piece entry fee is £50 per work (size: One side over 60cm but no side greater than 152cm) payable at the time of obtaining the entry form.

Preparation

  • All works must be framed, glazed or unglazed, with mirror plates for wall hanging.
  • The labels will be prepared by the Exhibition Administrator and given to the artists at the point of delivery.

Delivery and Collection of Works

  • Selected work must be delivered to Bankside Gallery (London SE1 9JH) on Mon 24 Feb 2025 11am-1pm.
  • After the exhibition, works must be collected on Sun 2 March 2025 or Mon 3 March 2025. The time slots will be allocated nearer the time.
  • Delivery of the sold work to the purchasers is the responsibility of the artist.

Insurance

  • Insurance is the responsibility of the artist, for the duration of delivery, exhibition, and collection of work.

What is The Broderers’ Company?

The Worshipful Company of Broderers is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. It was formed to regulate the standard of embroidery, a major City trade in the Middle Ages. Though the first hard evidence of the existence in the 13th or 14th century has been destroyed by the Great Fire of London and the Blitz, the Broderers are thought to have been around a lot longer. The Broderers’ Company received a Grant of Arms in 1558, while Queen Elizabeth I granted its first Charter on 25th October 1561. The Company was honoured to be granted a new supplemental Charter by HM The Queen, signed in Council on 19th March 2019.

Today, members come from all walks of life, but the Company continues to support the art of embroidery and encourage excellence through the Broderers’ Charity Trust. The Company is active and friendly, fostering fellowship among its members. The Broderers’ Hall used to be situated on Gutter Lane, off Cheapside, in the City of London, but it was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. It is unusual in having a Master’s Song, about Plain-dealing, which the Company assists the Master to sing at dinners. The Company’s motto is ‘Omnia Desuper’, Latin for ‘All Things Are From Above’.

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