Photographs copyright Michael Wicks.
Original embroideries © Sue Rangeley
An artist’s studio holds the secrets of their creations, Embroidery Atelier invites readers to delve into the art and craft of a contemporary embroiderer, and be inspired to stitch.
Embroidery Atelier steps into my studio world, sharing the visions and passions that inspire and shape a sequence of artistic embroideries. Beautiful photographic images by Michael Wicks capture the essence and meticulous detail of the textiles. A companion volume to Embroidered Originals (2010), creative stitch continues to delight the eye, enrich the senses and enchant the imagination.
With no exhibitions in 2026, Sue is creating embroideries and artwork to show in 2027. Another major project is the cataloguing of Sue’s studio archive, with preparations for a small sale of embroidered accessories from her collection.
An opportunity to purchase unique pieces from Sue Rangeley’s archive. Her iconic embellished accessories were sold internationally. More details to be announced in early May on my website.
Catch a few highlights from this show in video clips, with Sue talking about her artistic creations.
Sue Rangeley On… The Hidcote Lace
Sue Rangeley On… The Pretty Wild Dress
With thanks to Olivia Tracey, Assistant Curator, Court Barn Museum for the video clips.
The new Collection Store at the Crafts Council, London was unveiled in September 2024.
Examples of Sue’s early painted/quilted textiles feature in the Handling Collection and in the ‘First Decade’ Collection.
This is a dynamic space for craft learning and experience, a valuable educational resource. www.craftscouncil.org.uk
View my page on the Crafts Council Website.
Step into Sue’s studio archives with a sequence of images which capture moments from her early career as a textile artist.
An image of Sue’s work now features on the ArtUK website. The embroidered bag (1980) is held in The Embroiderers’ Guild Collection
View my listing on dianaspringallcollection.co.uk
Launched in 2015, the blog gives a peak into studio life and textile creations.
Read the latest blog: Browsing the archives………
In 1976 Sue Rangeley entered Vogue House, in Mayfair, London, with a collection of embroidered bags and waistcoats; a memorable event which marked the start of her professional career. One famous ‘Waterlily’ waistcoat launched an order for one hundred silk applique jackets for the designer Bill Gibb, in 1977! The Victoria & Albert Museum, London has an extravagant evening jacket, a couture commission for Bill Gibb embroidered by Sue, in their permanent collection.
An artistic career shaped by fine art studies in the late 1960s, a love of painting and drawing continue to infuse Sue’s embroidered creations. Early fashion and interior textiles display her distinct hallmark of delicate, romantic, painted silks accented with applique details. She specializes in beautiful, crafted embroideries for contemporary dress, one-off accessories and textile art.
International exhibitions and lecturing in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan have brought wider recognition. Sue’s embroideries are held in public and private collections worldwide. She has received numerous awards for her creative activities; in 2009 she received a National Lottery & Arts Council England grant for curating ‘A Wearable Art’ exhibition in Oxfordshire. In 2018, Sue was chosen to demonstrate at an exclusive event at the Victoria & Albert Museum, as part of the ‘Fashioned from Nature’ program, hosted by the Friends of the V&A.
The studio in her 18th century Oxfordshire home reflects the diversity of Sue’s creative work: a gallery of botanical paintings, bespoke embroideries and design portfolios.
