Jessica grew up on her family’s farm based in Greenfield, near Watlington, but with a Grandmother that was a prolific knitter and a Grandfather who was a sculptor (before later becoming a farmer) a creative career is probably what she as always destined for.
Jessica trained at the Royal School of Needlework, where she learnt a variety of historical hand embroidery techniques, from Jacobean Crewelwork to Silk shading (thread painting), Blackwork and Goldwork. She also learnt how to conserve and restore historical embroidered textiles and now works in the school’s commercial studio on a wide variety of projects - from restoring original 1960s campervan cushions which had suffered severe moth damage, to conserving late 19th century Church Altar Frontals, as well as bespoke new commissions. Most recently Jessica was part of the Studio team that worked on several projects for the Coronation of King Charles III last year. Jessica also teaches with the school, running classes in several techniques and designs. All of this in an attempt to keep the traditional techniques of hand embroidery alive for the future!