Exhibition: Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery 2026 — Building Centre

In 2000, Hand & Lock established the Prize for Embroidery to celebrate embroidery as a powerful art form and highlight exceptional talent. Now in its 26th year, the annual Prize has become the world’s most prestigious embroidery competition, giving artists and designers the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience, gain valuable industry exposure and develop their creative practice.

Each year, the Fashion and Textile Art categories attract entries from designers, artists and creators in over 40 countries. From hundreds of first-round entries, an expert judging panel selects 24 finalists to take part in a two-month mentoring programme. The competition culminates in final judging and a prize-giving ceremony at the London exhibition.

This November, discover the exceptional work of the 2026 Prize finalists at the Building Centre in London. Bringing together a diverse collection of embroidered art and fashion, the exhibition celebrates the innovation, imagination and technical skill shaping the future of embroidery.

Location: Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT
Nearest Station: Goodge Street, via Northern line and Tottenham Court Road, via Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines
Date: 3 — 6 November 2026
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 09:00 am — 6:00 pm

Hand & Lock is a historic embroidery atelier situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, with a history dating back to 1767 and is a Royal Warrant Holder. For over 250 years, the atelier has created exquisite hand embroidery for the Royal Family, international fashion houses, Savile Row tailors, interior designers and costume designers for theatre, film and television.