Gallery Tour: Military Embroidery
Location:
National Army Museum
Date & time:
Friday 15 May 2026, 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Price:
£12.50
To mark London Craft Week, curator Mel O’Brien-Price introduces some of the finest examples of military embroidery on display at the Museum.
About the event
Embroidery has been used in a military context for millennia. It has helped to distinguish between opposing forces on the battlefield, signalled seniority, and adorned the ceremonial uniforms that have long featured in both royal and public displays of military power.
It has also been embraced by individual soldiers, who have utilised it as a way to pass the time while on campaign or as a gift for a loved one back home.
Mel O’Brien-Price will showcase the most striking examples on display in the galleries, from ornate colours, standards and guidons that once served as rallying points on the battlefield to the intricate embroidery found on Army uniforms and the personal creations of soldiers across the globe.
The tour will last approximately one hour.
FAQs
Is the National Army Museum accessible?Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
Please adhere to the age range specified for events on the listings page and if appropriate please book a ticket for your child. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult approved by the parent/guardian. The event organiser cannot be responsible for unsupervised children.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Slow Looking: The Army at Home
- 26 April 2026, 11.00am
- National Army Museum
- Free
Join us during Chelsea Wellness Weekend for a guided tour of our Army at Home gallery, focusing on mindfulness and reflection.
More infoChelsea at War
- 30 April 2026, 6.30pm
- National Army Museum
- £15.00
Join us for a fascinating panel talk exploring Chelsea and its surrounding areas during — and in the aftermath of — the Second World War.
More infoEmbroidering the British Army
- 13 May 2026, 6.30pm
- National Army Museum
- £14.00
Discover the artistry of bespoke hand embroidery during London Craft Week, with an exclusive event and live demonstration led by experts from Hand & Lock, Britain’s oldest embroidery house.
More infoEmbroidery Course: Ceremonial Goldwork
- 16 - 17 May 2026
- National Army Museum
- £200.00
Elevate your skills during London Craft Week on this two-day course inspired by the Museum’s collection and led by experts from Hand & Lock, London’s premier embroidery house.
More info