Thu 03 Sept
|Shibden Hall
The Codification of Stitch by Charlotte Farrant
Thursday 3 to Sunday 27 September 2026 Inspired by Anne Lister's life, the Codification of Stitch highlights her most significant achievements in illustrative and coded form. It reimagines her iconic silhouette into a 21st-century interpretation - an exquisitely embroidered coat and boots.
Time & Location
03 Sept 2026, 10:00 – 17:00
Shibden Hall, Lister's Rd, Halifax HX3 6XG, UK
About the event
On display Thursday 3 to Sunday 27 September 2026. Included with ticketed admission to Shibden Hall.
The Codification of Stitch explores the question: ‘Can you encapsulate a person’s individuality, compelling and remarkable life, into a garment?’
Inspired by Anne Lister's life, Charlotte Farrant highlights the most significant achievements of Anne’s life in both illustrative and coded form and reimagines Anne Lister's iconic silhouette into a 21st-century interpretation.
Taking the form of an exquisitely embroidered coat and boots, this is a not to be missed opportunity to see Charlotte Farrant’s acclaimed work displayed in the place which inspired it, Shibden Hall.
The Codification of Stitch explores the intrinsic link between a person’s garment and how they are read by society. Here Charlotte represents a historical pioneer through her embroidery designs, believing that the garment and embellishment (embroidery) are intrinsically linked – they rely on each other to enable a true storytelling narrative.
A hand embroidery artist trained at the Royal School of Needlework, Charlotte creates texture and interest in her work by combining specialist techniques such as Goldwork, Whitework, Blackwork, and Raised Work.
Taking inspiration in Anne Lister's work, combining her coded diary writing and Charlotte’s fascination for mechanics, she has developed a codification of embroidery stitches that can be directly translated into Anne Lister's coded diaries, creating hidden messages represented through stitches.
While studying at the Royal School of Needlework, Charlotte has gained various experiences within the embroidery sector, including freelancing for fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, freelancing for film working for Cathryn Avison, and interning with Hand and Lock.
Embracing her passion for innovation, Charlotte looks to the unexpected to form the basis of her practice. Charlotte is passionate about creating intellectual qualities within her work and moving embroidery away from the perceived idealism it has gained throughout history.
This display is included with ticketed admission to Shibden Hall. Tickets available on the door or pre-book your ticket at ticketsource.co.uk/calderdale-museums