HAWTHORNE & HEANEY

Embroidery Specialists

family

Hawthorne & Heaney on Crests

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Looking through our portfolio, there are lots of lovely examples of family crests in both hand and machine. These are usually in quite a traditional style with the sort of imagery you would expect from this sort of historical imagery; lions andleaves, scrolls and mantels. Every now and then, we get a customer that comes to us because they want to bend the ‘rules’ a little, and with the nature of bespoke ordering, you can do just that.

Hawthorne & Heaney on Crests London Hand Embroidery

We had a lovely chap come into us with his design for a crest that he wanted to have embroidered onto a bathrobe for his father. The gift was to be presented to him on his 80th Birthday and so our customer wanted it to be extra special. Therefore he produced a design of his father’s favourite things and worked them into the crest.

Hawthorne & Heaney on Crests London Hand Embroidery

Such a nice idea right?! What would you include?

 

 

Hawthorne & Heaney on Family Crests

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We’ve been feeling a little nostalgic this week and have been looking back in our archives.  This mostly consists of Heraldic embroidery which is Claire, our founder’s, speciality.  Consisting mainly of Lions and Unicorns ….. over the last three years we have built a rather remarkable collection of embroidery artworks.

Hawthorne & Heaney on Family Crests London Hand Embroidery

This traditional style of embroidery, when done well, hinges on padding (‘raisings’ for the initiated) to create the wonderful dramatic pieces we are best known for.  Above you can see the padding underneath and the finished stitches which are a combination of silks, accented with goldwork.

Hawthorne & Heaney on Family Crests London Hand Embroidery

This style of crest can be found in both family histories and established businesses, centring around the escutcheon (shield) which displays the ordinaries and common charge on the field.  The complexity will depend on what level of acheivement the bearer is entitled to. The below is an example of a full heraldic achievement which consists of shield, supporters, crest, and motto bannered underneath.

Hawthorne & Heaney on Family Crests London Hand Embroidery

We can also offer a drafting and framing service along with the embroidery.  Prices start from £95 depending on size and complexity.  A piece like this will last a lifetime, making a beautiful birthday or wedding gift. Alternatively it could make an intriguing trophy piece or a great talking point for a room.