About this Event
Explore the intricate world of goldwork embroidery with textile artist and educator Elnaz Yazdani. Originating from traditional practices that use metal threads to create ornate embellishments, goldwork techniques continue to inspire artists and makers across cultures today. In this workshop, Elnaz will guide participants through a variety of beautiful goldwork techniques from around the world, using experimental metal threads and materials to create a unique embroidered artwork.
The techniques learned can be applied to any cloth — perfect for personalising a gift or item of clothing with an extra special touch. Echoing the embroidered motifs in our exhibition , this session invites participants to slow down and enjoy the meditative process of working with metal and thread.
No prior experience is required, and all materials will be provided. The workshop is open to everyone and welcomes participants of all levels, including those studying or working in textiles, costume, or fashion.
This programme is part of esea ArtClub, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Places are limited, so please book in advance to secure your spot.
Image credits:
1-2. Image courtesy of Elnaz Yazdani.
About Elnaz Yazdani
Elnaz Yazdani is an embroidery artist and educator based in Yorkshire. Elnaz is dedicated to sharing her textile skills and promoting the importance of embroidery as an art form for the future and for community wellbeing. Elnaz has taught embroidery throughout her community, within primary, secondary and higher education as well as community groups and organisations.
In 2020 Elnaz was commended for the teaching excellence award in embroidery via the Embroiderers Guild and became an Embroiderers Guild Scholar after the successful launch of her virtual embroidery school ‘Embroider Your Future’. In 2025 Elnaz was awarded an Master of Arts by Research in recognition of a programme of work entitled ‘Rethinking Embroidery: Connecting, Embellishing and Transforming Communities Through Embroidery.
Her practice explores ways of transforming traditional embroidery techniques through her choice of unusual materials; she is inspired by industrial, upcycled materials and the ways in which she can embellish, connect or transform these items through stitch to develop a surface or form. Her unique embroidery style has allowed her to work across exhibition, installation, fashion and jewellery since graduating from her BA at Manchester School of Art in 2014. Elnaz is available for workshops, talks, embroidery commissions, exhibitions and collaborative projects.
About esea contemporary
esea contemporary is the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.
esea contemporary is situated in an award-winning building in the heart of Manchester, home to one of the largest East Asian populations in the UK. Since its inauguration as a community-oriented visual arts festival in 1986, esea contemporary – previously named Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art – has continuously evolved to establish itself as a dynamic and engaging space for cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene, as well as in a global context.
esea contemporary aims to increase the visibility of contemporary art practices from the East and Southeast Asian communities and their diasporas. It is a site for forward-thinking art programmes that beyond exhibitions also include commissions, research, residencies, publishing, and a wide range of vibrant public events. esea contemporary values creativity, compassion, interconnectedness, and collectivity in implementing its mission.
Photo by Joe Smith.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
esea contemporary, 13 Thomas Street, Manchester, United Kingdom
GBP 3.00
