Our Tutors

Sue Hawkins

Sue began her working life apprenticed to an antique dealer whose speciality was 17th century English embroidery. It was under this expert tuition that she learned to restore and care for these treasured textiles. Many years later as a well known embroidery designer, her inspiration still comes from those traditional designs.

Sue’s first book ‘Heirlooms in Needlepoint’ was published in 1994, ’55 Flower Designs’ co-written with Jane Greenoff and subsequently her own book ‘A Victorian Floral Alphabet’. Her fourth title ‘Crewel Embroidery’ was published in 2001 and 2003 saw the publication of two books of designs for Dollshouse Carpets and Rugs and Embroidered Projects and then in 2006 ‘Heavenly Handmade Bags’

Sue has her own kit manufacturing company offering designs in canvaswork, cross stitch and crewel embroidery. She teaches for private groups all over the country.

www.suehawkins.com

Owen Davies

Owen graduated from the Royal School of Needlework in 1994. He became the first and only man to complete the Apprenticeship since 1872. Upon graduating he was invited to work in the workrooms at Hampton Court Palace where he stayed working on commissions and teaching for the School. During this time he created the embroidered knot garden classes which were inspired by the surroundings of Hampton Court. In 2003 he was commissioned by the BBC to teach Hilary Kay how to embroider on the William Morris Brilliantly British series. He went on to teach traditional hand embroidery around the country and launched the international best seller Embroidered Knot book with co-author Gill Holdsworth in 2006. The book was well received in the USA where he was invited to give lectures and teach. Owen continues to work in the UK specialising in traditional hand embroidery.

www.stitchingrevolution.com

Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer lives and works in South Devon. She began her career as a graphic designer and, whilst working for the BBC, gained considerable experience as a book designer and illustrator.

Since becoming a freelance artist she has illustrated many books for leading publishers and undertaken commissions of portraits and landscapes. Other commissioned work includes architectural illustration for developers and estate agents. She also exhibits regularly in Devon art galleries. Her paintings and drawings hang in private collections both home and abroad.

In recent years, she has been tutoring drawing and painting courses and workshops for art societies and groups and also painting holidays in the UK, France and Spain.

www.jenniferjohnsonartist.co.uk

Michele Hill

Michele lives in South Australia with her husband and two adult daughters. She began her quilting journey in 1986 and has been addicted ever since. An award winning quilter, she started designing her own quilts in 1996 with William Morris and architecture being her greatest inspirations. Michele teaches throughout Australia and is passionate about encouraging her students and fellow quilters to create original designs – we are very fortunate to have Michele joining us on the William Morris tours during 2012 and 2013. The author of two books – ‘William Morris in Applique’ and ‘More William Morris in Applique’ Michele has a huge international following for her work and her delightful personality.