Talk: Cate Howell - The Story of a Naked Tudor Bed

The Story of a Naked Tudor Bed... and how two women set out to clothe it

Cate Howell tells the story of the The Corbet Bed Project, which has been described as a story signed in silk, and shares her intimate experience of the Herculean task - in textile and embroidery terms - of the re-creation of an historic textile. More exciting than you might think! The Corbet Bed, dated 1593, is owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum, and on display at the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery. Over a thirteen year period and involving many volunteers from Shropshire, the project completed in 2010. Practical support from the Royal School of Needlework and also from the historic textile archivists at the V&A, as well as diligent research and generous donations, allowed this Naked Tudor Bed to be clothed.

Cate - having always stitched since a child - came to formal training in Embroidery and Textile Design in her early forties. She completed City & Guilds Parts 1 and 2 in Embroidery & Design. Winning a national medal for her work.

She is a past Branch Chairman and Vice Chair of the North West Region of the Embroiderers' Guild, and a Life Member of the Royal School of Needlework.

Her first love will always be fine embroidery, but textile art in all its forms delights.

She has brought with her some items of her work from her personal collection.

Host or Publisher The Scottish Arts Club