By the 18th century dyers had learned how to make a much greater range of colours and we see the growth of two particular activities - embroidered clothes and embroidered art.

In particular this period saw the birth of the gentleman’s three-piece suit comprising waistcoat, jacket and breeches all adorned with matching embroidery.

It was also the period of botanic art, based on the finds of the plant hunters, but as Mrs Delany showed flowers could be depicted in paint or in thread.

Through silk shading the concept of painting with a needle was born and this lecture will show some of these amazing pieces where the observer believes they could actually pluck or even smell the flowers, so lifelike do they look.