Modern Irish Goldwork Embroidery

Prints now available!

1 6

About Sorcha

Sorcha O’Raw is an embroidery artist from Dublin, Ireland. She specialises in Goldwork, a type of embroidery which uses metal threads and wires for a raised, metallic effect. She found goldwork embroidery while interning at the historic Hand & Lock embroidery studio in London in 2017. 

Her work combines a love of her homeland with a deep passion for her craft. Historically used by the military and the church to communicate their wealth and power, Sorcha looks to modernise Goldwork to communicate a kind of emotional wealth and a national identity for a country founded in the 20th century.

About Goldwork

Goldwork is the catch all word for decorative embroidery that uses metal thread and wires. The techniques have been largely unchanged for thousands of years although modern goldwork materials are now available in a variety of colours and have little to no actual gold content unless specified.

There are few historical examples of goldwork on display in Ireland however it can be admired in several paintings in the National Gallery:

  • Portrait of Prince Alessandro Farnese Sofonisba Anguissola (c.1560)
  • The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon Lavinia Fontana (c.1600)