Glamis Castle Collection

KITS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LADY ANNE'S FESTIVAL WILL BE DISPATCHED FROM 16 MARCH.

Surrounded by Highland 'Coos' in the very heart of Angus in Scotland, Glamis Castle, has been the ancestral seat to The Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and their Lyon predecessors since King Robert II granted the Thanage of Glamis to Sir John Lyon in 1372.

Once host to Mary, Queen of Scots, Glamis is said to have inspired one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth. Glamis also has a deep connection to today’s Royal Family as it was the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret.

Under the expert care of Archivist Ingrid Thomson, the Glamis Castle Textile Collection holds a vast array of needlework completed by generations of Strathmore women from Lady Helen, wife of the 3rd Earl, of Strathmore and Kinghorne, to the maternal grandmother of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Cecilia, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne.

Glamis Castle

Cecilia Countess of Strathmore

In the early days of The Crewel Work Company, Phillipa was entrusted with an extraordinary commission from the Strathmore Family: to recreate a magnificent bedspread originally stitched by Cecilia, Countess of Strathmore (pictured).

With deep respect for Cecilia’s artistry, Phillipa painstakingly brought the design back to life. The replica was completed on the eve of Cecilia’s daughter’s 100th birthday - HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother - on 4th August 2000.

Today, the recreated bedspread adorns the Royal Bed gifted to Elizabeth by her mother on her marriage to Prince Albert, later King George VI - a fitting tribute to both Cecilia’s craftsmanship and the enduring power of needlework passed from one generation to the next.

Glamis Castle Kits

12 products

Lady Helen's Duck Kit

Featuring a charming duck, this beginner crewel work design replicates one of many animals featured on a set of 17th Century bed hangings at Glamis Castle. Stitched by Lady Helen Middleton (wife of the 3rd Earl of Strathmore) and her daughters, the original embroideries now hang in King Malcolm's Room...

Glamis Whitework

Discover the art of whitework with this beginner-friendly Glamis Whitework design, taught by acclaimed Australian embroidery artist Di Kirchner. Renowned for her expertise in whitework and reticella embroidery, Di's instructions will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you gain confidence and skill. This design is perfect for newcomers to embroidery, and offers...

Kinghorne Foxglove Kit

Inspired by a foxglove motif found on the historic Kinghorne Bed in the King’s Dressing Room at Glamis Castle, this elegant design reimagines the original detail in luminous silk and sparkling gold couching. The kit combines silk shading with goldwork techniques to create a piece rich in texture and dimension....

Cecilia's Countess Pillowe Kit

Phillipa’s Countess Pillowe design takes inspiration from a set of magnificent crewel work bed hangings designed and embroidered by Cecilia, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne (1862–1938) grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. This design features the Scottish thistle and the English rose, each bordered by graceful lattice columns. This design is perfect for stitchers who...

Lady Arbella's Stomacher Kit

Inspired by the richly embroidered stomacher in a 16th-century portrait at Glamis Castle, this striking design by Deborah Wilding captures the splendour of Tudor court dress. The painting of Lady Arbella Stuart, once considered a potential successor to Elizabeth I, provides the historical inspiration for this remarkable piece. Worked in...

Lady Helen's Elephant Kit

Explore the charm of Lady Helen Middleton's 17th century wall hangings in the historic needlework collection of Glamis Castle, Scotland. Inspired by the playful animals which adorn this wonderful set, which hangs in King Malcolm’s Room, this beginner crewel work project is perfect for those new to crewel embroidery.

The Scottish Play Kit

Find your embroidery flair with the Scottish Play Crewel Work Kit. This unusual design replicates a 17th Century pillowe which adorns a Charles I walnut ebonised day bed, which sits in the crypt at Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland. Glamis Castle is connected to Macbeth (also referred to as The Scottish...

Glamis Dog Kit

Featuring a charming King Charles Spaniel, the Glamis Dog replicates one of many animals featured on a set of 17th Century bed hangings at Glamis Castle. Stitched by Lady Helen Middleton (wife of the 3rd Earl of Strathmore) and her daughters, the original embroideries now hang in King Malcolm's Room...

Retreats

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Glamis Retreat: Autumn 2027

A new retreat focusing on Glamis Castle and the Highlands. Join us for 3 days in Edinburgh before we travel north to our favourite highlands destinations. Then relax with us...

Edinburgh & The Highlands

Deposit £50

Expressions of Interest