Shining a Light: Artist in Residence at Trinity Buoy Wharf

For London Craft Week 2025 Emily Jo Gibbs presents the work created during the first six-months of her residency, including a five metre-long hand-stitched embroidery that celebrates the Makers of Trinity Buoy Wharf. Delicately stitched in her signature appliqué style, the piece features many of those working at the Wharf in London’s Docklands, such as the SS Robin restoration crew, English National Opera prop makers, and apprentice engineers on Thames Clippers. The embroidery offers a unique glimpse into the area’s vibrant creative community.

Emily’s initial sketches of workmen repairing the river wall were in a small concertina sketch book, when stretched out the figures seemed to travel across the pages. This evolved into the idea of stitching a procession of people who work with their hands. To date Emily has stitched fifteen figures plus one bronze sculpture on to the ribbon. There are another five in the pipeline and many, many more people she would like to feature. For London Craft Week Emily will show this work, one end will be finished and at the other end figures will be emerging.

Emily is known for her hand-stitched pictures predominantly working with silk organza layered on to linen. In this fun, hands-on session, Emily will introduce you to her techniques and guide you in creating your own sample piece. Reserve a spot email emily@emilyjogibbs.co.uk