For Pleasure & Ornament
For Pleasure and Ornament is the compelling and colourful story of Nicola’s extensive career in embroidery.
From training as an apprentice at the Royal School of Needlework in 1991, to working as a sample embroiderer in the British fashion industry, and going on to develop her current art practice combining drawing, embroidery and kit design.
Highlights include working on Catherine, the Princess of Wales’ wedding lace, staging popular exhibitions at notable museums and galleries and contributing to the anointing screen for the coronation of King Charles III.
Workshops & Lectures
Nicola Jarvis has journeyed extensively across the globe to share the knowledge and skills of her intricate embroidery.
She is regularly invited to deliver captivating lectures to textile communities both in the United Kingdom and abroad. These include engagements with the Royal School of Needlework, Ornamental Embroidery, independent embroidery groups, the Embroiderers’ Guild and Crafty Creative Experiences.
Explore some of Nicola's popular lectures and workshops below
The Art of Embroidery: Nicola Jarvis and May Morris
‘The Art of Embroidery: Nicola Jarvis and May Morris’ is a stunning presentation where Nicola shows how she designed, staged and then toured her popular exhibition inspired by the design practice of William Morris’ daughter May Morris, at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow in 2013.
She documents how she went on to produce striking William Morris-inspired embroidery kits and was awarded Arts Council funding to tour her show around selected stately homes from 2013 to 2016.
Life in Seasons
‘Life in Seasons’ is the fascinating documentary of how Nicola collaborated with Inspirations Magazine to create a stunning book series inspired by the natural world near her Warwickshire home.
Her deep knowledge of decorative embroidery and passion for natural history have culminated in the story of a year in the country through a series of stitched wildlife projects.
This is Nicola’s tale of walking with her golden retriever Quince in the changing seasons, and showcases the wild animals that she encounters along the way.
