Events by this organizer

Bella Lane has just published her book “Paracas – Embroideries of the Desert” on the subject of the ancient embroidered burial mantles of Peru, which date back some 2,000 years and more to the Paracas culture on the coast of Peru, several hundred miles south of the capital, Lima.

Bella, originally from the Amazon rain forest, graduate of the Royal School of Needlework in 2009 and based in London for the past 25 years, has studied these mantles extensively. They were first discovered preserved in the arid sands of the necropolis of Paracas a century ago by renowned Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello. Bella’s research over many years has included not only examination of surviving examples of the mantles in Peru, but also in the British Museum, in the World Culture Museum of Gothenburg and in the Metropolitan and Brooklyn Museums of New York.

Additionally, over the past two years Bella has led a team of over 91 volunteer embroiderers to re-create at Hoxton Hall for the first time a Paracas burial mantle inspired from the originals. This will go on display in the Paracas Museum in early 2026 at a special exhibition, to be followed by other events in London and elsewhere.

Format for the evening:

• 18:00 – Doors Open/Refreshments/Book sale/Sewcialising
• 18:15 – Welcome and short introduction by John Lane (New World Books)
• 18:30 – “In Conversation” with Author Bella Lane with questions/discussion
• 19:00 – Supporting film show by Hing Tsang followed by questions/discussion
• 19:30 – Refreshments/Book sale/Sewcialising
• 20:15 – Concluding appreciation

About Bella Lane:

Bella Lane is a master embroiderer and artist, specialising in hand embroidery from the pre-Columbian cultures of Latin America and from other global traditions. She trained at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in London, graduating in 2009 with distinction. She received awards from the RSN and private institutions in the City of London. With over two decades experience, Bella undertakes private commissions, the restoration and conservation of historical textiles, museum teaching, and the exhibition of her work, continuously refining her expertise in textile and embroidery arts.

She has led international workshops, including Andean and Paracas Embroidery programmes in New Zealand (2017), as well as programmes at the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and numerous embroidery festivals. Bella also oversaw the creation of a collaborative Paracas mantle for the stage production Mouth of the Gods, directed by Michael Walling of Border Crossings. She integrates hand embroidery with the performing arts, including puppetry, participating in international puppetry festivals.

Recognised for her achievements in European metal-thread embroidery using gold, silver, copper, wire, silk, cotton, wool, linen and modern textile fibres she is now a member of two City of London Livery Companies, serving as the First Lady Freeman by trade of the Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers and a Liveryman of the Broderers. From January to March 2026, she will present her first solo exhibition of Paracas embroidery at the Julio C. Tello Site Museum in the Paracas National Reserve, Peru. “Paracas – Embroideries of the Desert” is her second embroidery book.

PRICE: £5  (your ticket includes light refreshments – drinks & snacks)

HOW TO BOOK: Contact us directly on 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

Please Note: The refreshments, talk & film screening will take place in Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)