The 1650 Altar Frontal

The 1650 Altar Frontal

We are delighted to present a new collection in collaboration with the UK Embroiderer's Guild, based on a wonderful 1650 Altar Frontal, a remarkable artefact held at Bucks Museum, the new home of the Guild's national needlework collection.

Commissioned by past president Charles Gotto to showcase the items in the Guild's collection, a replica embroidery was created in 2009 by Phillipa and a team of Guild members. We are delighted to now release the full Altar Frontal design as a crewel work kit, along with a much sought after companion design, We Three Kings.

Launched for pre-order during our Give Back Friday weekend, and for dispatch in April 2025, the sale of these kits will directly benefit the historic embroideries in the Guild's national collection.

Our Charitable Partnership

The Embroiderers' Guild

Founded in 1906, The Embroiderers' Guild is a national UK charity dedicated to building awareness of stitch and textile art. The Guild educates, encourages, and inspires people of all ages, promoting excellence in the world of embroidery—from the pure joy of stitching to the creation of stunning, one-of-a-kind works.

Today, the Guild has continued to be a champion for Embroidery in all its forms and remains steadfast in pursuing its vision of educating, promoting and celebrating embroidery as a creative art form, fostering a community where excellence and creativity flourish, whilst preserving tradition and inspiring contemporary innovation.

The 1650 Altar Frontal Kits

We Three Kings Kit
We Three Kings Kit
This vibrant design depicts a nativity scene detail from the 1650 Altar Frontal.  The three kings are shown in early 17th Century court dress and Mary and Joseph are in the more modest clothing of the time. Enjoy the simplicity of stitching in one colour and play with a range...
Intermediate
From $158.00
The 1650 Altar Frontal
The 1650 Altar Frontal
This glorious embroidery replicates a mid-17th century Altar Frontal which is currently in the Embroiderers' Guild National needlework collection held at Bucks Museum. The design depicts a collection of first-testament biblical scenes including the birth of Jesus, the Nativity Scene, and Adam & Even in the Garden of Eden.
Advanced
From $790.00

How We Give Back

To Castles, Country Houses & Institutions

Where possible we donate up to 10% of the proceeds of the sale of a kit to the castle, country house, or institution that the original embroidery belongs to, to support the conversation of the original artefact.

Glamis Castle Collection
View the Glamis Castle Collection
Dunollie Castle Collection
View the Dunollie Castle Collection
Muncaster Castle Collection
View the Muncaster Castle Collection