Participants will learn how to cross-stitch a tree of life, a traditional motif in Palestinian embroidery, in this calm and creative workshop. Participants will also learn more about the history and significance of Palestinian embroidery. The workshop is led by The Tatreez Collective, a group of artists who share a love for tatreez, meaning embroidery in Arabic. All levels of experience and ability are welcome, including absolute beginners.

• The session will take place in the newly opened Learning Centre at Leighton House.
• All materials will be provided and participants will be able to take home their embroidered creation.
• Ticket price includes access to Leighton House. Please note that the museum closes at 5:30pm.

Meet The Tatreez Collective

The Tatreez Collective (Dina Asfour, Lizzy Vartanian, Yomn Al-Kaisi) is made up of three diasporic women of Middle Eastern heritage ultimately united by a love of Tatreez. The word ‘tatreez’ is Arabic for embroidery, and while the term is used to refer to embroider more broadly, in the Palestinian context it is understood to refer to cross-stitch.  Their practice is a way to document and promote Palestinian heritage, as well as an act of resistance.

About Kheit

Nour Hage: Kheit خيط(28 April – 16 July 2023) is an exhibition and event series in collaboration with Leighton House, the 19th century home of artist Lord Frederic Leighton. Meaning ‘thread’ in Arabic, Kheit presents three artworks created in response to the tiles in the Arab Hall and staircase hall. An award-wining textile artist, Nour has also researched the museum’s collection of antique textiles, featuring Syrian clothing, Ottoman hangings and runners, and Iranian carpets. During Leighton’s lifetime textiles, in particular from the Middle East and North Africa, were a prominent decorative feature in his house,  and over the last two years the museum has acquired and displayed significant pieces to recreate the original  interiors.

Kheit is a collaboration between The Arab British Centre and Leighton House, as part of our Arab Britain programming theme that sets out to explore and document the history, achievements and experiences of Arabs in Britain. Funded by The Barakat Trust’s Hands on Islamic Art grant, made possible by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.