Hemmed In: Embroidery and Needlework from MK and Beyond presents work from the 1930s to the present by over fifty practitioners, organised with MK Embroiderers Guild and Jamie Chalmers (Mr X Stitch). Ranging from the local to the international, the exhibits include needlework through unusual media, techniques and unexpected subject matter.

MK Embroiderers Guild challenged their members to represent ‘Milton Keynes in an eight-inch square’, to create small, needle and thread portraits of their favourite places in the city. In addition, the exhibition includes a number of rare pieces on loan from national collections, including works by Julia Caprara and Beryl Dean.

In contrast, the work selected by Jamie Chalmers, an active leader in the “new embroidery movement” aims to bring the world of cross-stitch and embroidery to a new audience. The works on view at MK Gallery will offer an expanded and radical view of contemporary embroidery from stitchers across the world.