MAKERS | EUROPE | UNITED KINGDOM | MULTI-MEDIA

Hanny Newton | Embroiderer

Hanny Newton’s embroideries might appear to glint like fine gold, catching the light in precise, deliberate lines. On inspection, what seems like metallic thread is in fact straw - split, spun and stitched by hand using techniques once found in the hatting houses of 19th-century Europe. Based on the Shropshire border, Newton works directly with farmers to grow heritage wheat, transforming harvests into iridescent artworks. In 2024, she received the inaugural QEST Sanderson Rising Star Award for her pioneering use of straw as sustainable gold. 

How did you begin? 

"I first fell in love with embroidery in my early twenties when working a demanding job, and was drawn to the rhythm and calm it gave me, and to the satisfaction of bringing an idea from my head into the world with my fingers.

"A friend who had studied art pointed out that I could take it further, and this lightbulb moment led me to study at the Royal School of Needlework, where I discovered the rich history of embroidery and was drawn to metal threads.

"Over a decade later, now working as a professional embroiderer, a chance encounter at a craft conference led me to discover that straw has been used historically as an embroidery material. It felt like the missing piece of the puzzle."

How did you learn?

"Straw has incredible natural gold qualities, and I was drawn to the rich history of these little-known craft skills and how they make us think about the materials we use and more sustainable ways of working. This led to my being awarded the QEST Worshipful Company of Broderers Scholarship in 2023, to pursue my dream training and help keep these rare craft techniques alive.

"I first learnt goldwork embroidery during my degree at the Royal School of Needlework (2013). After my studies, the next few years were really about finding my own voice and contemporary approach in this centuries-old craft - both as a maker and a teacher. In terms of the historical straw craft skills that underpin my current practice, I am indebted to straw craft expert Veronica Main MBE and the Schweizer Strohmuseum in Wohlen, Switzerland, who both generously shared their extensive knowledge."

How do you plan, prepare and create your works?

"I love to be led by the materials I use: how does a particular thread, whether metal or straw, want to move? How does it catch the light? How does it lie on the fabric? I will often have an idea of an outline or starting point for my works – a particular stitch combination or way of using my chosen material – and then I like to leave space for the piece to evolve in real time, not knowing exactly where it will lead me, so it takes on some life of its own as the layers, patterns or lines build up.

"Something I love about straw is that it has deepened my artistic practice by allowing me to be involved in all processes of not just stitching the work, but creating the threads - taking a raw sheaf of wheat, and, using centuries-old craft processes, many of which are related to the hat industries of Europe, to transform this raw plant material into threads. I am currently working with a local farmer to grow our own straw for the first time, which will allow me to witness the complete cycle from grain to artwork."

What does a typical day look like? 

"I work from my studio at home in the North Shropshire Borders. My days vary greatly depending on the projects I am working on - from long days in the studio creating a large-scale embroidery to client meetings, research trips as I continue to learn about the rich history of straw to teaching. (Over the last few years, I have taught in Australia, the French Alps, as well as more regularly at Hand&Lock London and West Dean College). I enjoy the variety, and it feels like a rich time for learning and developing."

What are the best and worst things about being a craftsperson today?

"Best: Getting to shape my own life and career, follow my interests and passions, and feeling of development and become more ‘me’ as a person and a maker to overcome challenges, reach towards my goals and create work that feels genuine. Also, the wonderful people and experiences I encounter along the way enrich everything and remind me of how much there is to explore, connect with, and learn!

"Challenging: Juggling many balls at the same time as a sole trader, and having to make sure the admin list and growing demands don't usurp precious studio time to play, explore and make. Also, not having the same safety nets that those in employment have, and the niggling awareness of how self-reliant I need to be once on this path."

Interview by Emma Becque

Images from Joshua James, Jack Harper, Yeshen Venema, & Anna Rose McChesney