This FAQ provides a first stop for key information about the RSN (and the RSN web site). We recommend that you read through this FAQ page first as the answers to many common questions and requests can be found there.

If you still need to contact us, you can find full contact details for our various teams and education departments on our Contact Page.

As a registered charity we rely on the support of Trusts and individuals, who believe in the importance of our work, to help us continue.  Friends and Special Supporters are people like you, who actively want to ensure the RSN can continue its vital and unique work.

You can support us in many ways: become an RSN Friend; buy from our online shop; learn embroidery on one of our many classes; make a donation; become a volunteer; or consider leaving a legacy or gift to support our work in the future.

We showcase embroidery pieces from the Royal School of Needlework every year during exhibitions held in our Embroidery Studios at Hampton Court Palace and we also visit national shows throughout the year.

In addition, we also display RSN Student work frequently throughout the year at external and internal exhibitions.

Individual and group bookings can be made for our Talk & Tours, Curator’s Tours, Tour & Tasters and Family Days. RSN Tours can be combined with a visit to Hampton Court Palace.

You can see an up-to-date list of all tours and public displays of RSN work on our Exhibitions and Tours page and our Work on Display page.

Our Studio can often make use of old embroidery threads to match antique pieces that come in for repair. Our Future Tutor and Degree students value using donated threads and embroidery materials (but not knitting or crochet materials) in good condition that can otherwise be an expensive cost on a student budget. If our Studio and students are not able to use your donation we will sell them in our Shop or add them as items to a future fundraising sale.

Please contact enquiries@royal-needlework.org.uk  about your donation. Please note we are not able to pay for the collection/delivery of any items.

Yes! We greatly value our volunteers who currently help with many activities including leading tours, helping with mailings, data entry, assisting in our Shop and Studio and researching industry contacts.

Please contact enquiries@royal-needlework.org.uk for more information about volunteering opportunities with the RSN.

Windows PC — recent versions of Firefox, Google Chrome, or Microsoft Edge are recommended. Unfortunately, we no longer support Internet Explorer; if you are still using IE we strongly recommend you upgrade to a modern browser. (Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 10).

Mac (macOS) and iPhone/iPad (iOS) — Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome are recommended. (Safari is the default browser for both macOS and iOS).

Android smartphones and tablets — recent versions of Google Chrome or Firefox are recommended. (Google Chrome is the default browser for Android devices).

We regularly update the site to add features and improve the quality of your experience. Please be sure to keep your browser and computer updated. If you need to upgrade your browser and it does not include an automatic update feature, please go to your browser manufacturer’s website to download the most recent version.

Yes! Both the main RSN web site and our self-paced online courses site are built on responsive platforms, allowing for access on most smartphones and tablets.

We aim to accommodate as many people as possible at the RSN. However, Hampton Court Palace is a historic building and has many uneven surfaces and difficult staircases. Please contact us in advance if you have any specific requirements.

The majority of our in-person classes are held in upstairs classrooms which have lift access. However, for some classes there is a stairway of six steps which does not have lift access and occupied wheelchairs cannot be lifted up. If you need wheelchair access, please contact us in advance as it may be possible to ensure a classroom with lift and wheelchair access.

Please note that it is a five-to-ten-minute walk through the Palace to the classrooms. If you have restricted mobility please let us know in advance as the Palace has some wheelchairs that can be loaned for the day. You will need to be accompanied by someone who can push the wheelchair.

The RSN Shop and the Embroidery Studio are both located on the ground floor of the Palace, next to the East Front gate, and are wheelchair accessible.

Visits to our Embroidery Studio are by appointment or during our Open and Group Tours held on selected dates, find out more here.

Please contact: Studio Administrator, to arrange an appointment T:+44(0)20 3166 6941 or studio@royal-needlework.org.uk

Our professional Embroidery Studio can offer consultation advice at an hourly rate. If appropriate, we can offer a group consultation.

Please contact: Studio Administrator, for more information T:+44(0)20 3166 6941 or studio@royal-needlework.org.uk

The Royal School of Needlework is now operating normally again in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our Coronavirus update page is still available for historical information. Thank you.