Rhoda Nevins is a designer of historical embroidery panels, as well as a member of the Royal School of Needlework. Rhoda gained public recognition after creating a commission of Magna Carta Embroidery panels for the Runnymede Borough Council. Telling the story of how the Magna Carta was established, these panels are beautifully embroidered to showcase a landmark event in British history. She also works with a dedicated team of volunteer embroiderers who are just as passionate as she is. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Rhoda Nevins.
Image Credit: 1-5) Rhoda Nevins
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is traditional and creative, and I like to use as many embroidery methods as possible. I love trying the right stitch to achieve the look I want.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
With the Magna Carta Embroidery I had to cast my mind back to my O-level history days! I love researching historical facts and pictures for accuracy and inspiration.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
We had a team of 12 volunteers on the Magna Carta Embroidery and have constantly been inspired by the ingenuity, creativity, skill and resourcefulness of the women I worked with on this project, many of whom I worked with on the Guildford Embroidery. We spent over 30,000 hours putting the 12 panels together and the dedication of this group of women embroiderers has been an incredible.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Great art, history, inspirational stories and of course bouncing ideas off other embroiderers helps. I was lucky enough to spend time at the London Archive for the Magna Carta Embroidery.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Say yes and take a chance! I was asked to create one panel for the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta and the project grew. I had no idea when I started that I would be creating something that has been described as “a legacy for the nation”.
