Glamis Duck, Elephant, Camel and Rhinoceros (Pre-Order)

Glamis Duck, Elephant, Camel and Rhinoceros (Pre-Order)

by Phillipa Turnbull

This is a pre-order purchase. Your order will be dispatched in August.

These designs are inspired by an extraordinary set of 17th century bed hangings in Glamis Castle, Scotland. Stitched in 1683 by Lady Helen Middleton (later Countess of Strathmore), the hangings feature a playful array of domestic and exotic animals.

This set features the Duck, Elephant, Camel and Rhinoceros and comes complete with all the materials and instructions needed to finish each of these four designs.

Sales of these designs, together with every kit in our Glamis Animals Collection, make a direct contribution to the care and conservation of the original embroideries at Glamis Castle.

Set of 4. Or buy the full set of 12 for £300.

The finishing materials featured in these photos are not included however instructions to finish your design as a decoration are included in your instruction booklet.

Beginner

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Kit Includes

The materials in this kit have been selected by Phillipa to reflect our commitment to quality, authenticity, and longevity so that your finished piece will become a treasured heirloom for many generations to come. Although the original designs were stitched on to a fine wool fabric, we have chosen to replicate them onto traditional linen twill.

  • Pure linen twill
  • Appletons Wool Skeins
  • 100-page Stitch Instruction Booklet (features all 12 animals)
  • Postcard of each design
  • Stitch & Colour charts for each design
  • Needles
  • Beads

Video Tutorial

Additional Kit Information

How we give back

Shipping & Returns

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Join our live 3-day tutorial on 24-27 August 2026

Tracked Shipping

Secure delivery, flat rate postage

Money Back Guarantee

30 day guarantee on all kit orders

Supporting Historic British Embroidery

10% of all sales of these designs contribute to the conservation and care of historic embroideries at Glamis Castle, Scotland.

About the Glamis Animals & Lady Helen Middleton

These playful designs are inspired by an extraordinary set of hangings stitched by Lady Helen Middleton (1645–1708), later Countess of Strathmore (pictured left), and her daughters, Grizel and Elizabeth. 

Lady Helen Middleton married Patrick, 3rd Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne in 1662. In his Book of Record (written between 1684 and 1689), Patrick expresses deep affection for his wife and describes her as a skilful housewife and manager of domestic affairs, a wise counsellor in times of difficulty, and a devoted mother who raised her family with discretion. 

Helen was also a keen embroiderer and the hangings, which feature appliquéd needlepoint slips surrounded by a lively scatter of domestic and exotic animals, reveal a distinctly playful spirit. Completed in 1683, they are thought to have taken fourteen years to make. 

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 and to support the upkeep of the original embroidery.

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