The London Tour
The adventure will begin when you're met at the airport and driven by private car to our elegant hotel. It’s wonderfully situated, right by Kensington Gardens. A lovely breakfast is served every day before we head out to explore what the city and its environs have to offer us.
We’ll start off with an overview of London, as we get to know one another and get excited about the week ahead. You’ll be my guests that evening at a charming pub around the corner from our hotel.
Fabric shopping is included, of course, with a visit to Joel and Son; it's amazing. We’ll also visit a top Savile Row establishment, where we're able to observe their tailors at work in their workrooms; the workmanship is, as you’d expect, both exquisite and fascinating.
We’ll also spend a day just outside town, at Hampton Court Palace (former residence of Henry the Eighth), and now home of the Royal School of Needlework. We’ll attend a bespoke class - created just for us. In the past it's been goldwork, and embroidery inspired by the Bacton Altar Cloth; we’ll do something equally lovely.
Back at the hotel, in the Library, we’ll spend time with the lovely Alison Smith, well-known to Craftsy students from her sewing classes; she’ll talk to us about corsets.
We’ll also spend an afternoon with the delightful Jon Moore, former design director of Hardy Amies - their most famous client was Queen Elizabeth. He’ll tell of his experiences of working with her
A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a very proper tea, and we'll go to a very elegant hotel for that.
We’ll also spend a day in the historic town of Bath - we’ll visit the renowned Fashion Museum and a gallery devoted to fashion illustrations.
And we always have a museum visit with my favorite guide - her insights are amazing.
And we'll spend a hands-on day with the amazing expert in passamenterie. And we'll visit the studio of a well-known designer, one of whose clients is Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.
We'll also tour Spitalfields, a historic area of East London and home of silk weaving, back in the day.
We’ll finish our time in London with a private Gala Dinner.
We’ll do all of that and more. As you can see, it’s an amazing look at the arts and crafts that make London, and England, such a special destination.
I hope you’ll be able to join me for this extraordinary visit.
Dates:
Future dates to be announced
Price
Included is private transport to and from Heathrow Airport; a private hotel room for 8 nights; breakfasts; all educational sessions and museum visits; all transport within London and for any trips outside London; all entry fees and lecture fees, and some meals, including our AfternoonTea and Gala Dinner.
The price of the 2023 London Trip is $10,750. A deposit of $2750 will guarantee a space; the balance of $8000 is due September 1, 2023.
All cancellations, for any reason whatsoever, will be subject to a $100 per person cancellation fee. Cancellation within 61-90 days prior to the tour will result in a forfeiture of 40% of the cost of the tour per person; within 31-60 days, 60%; within 15-30 days, 80%. Cancellation within 14 days or less will result in forfeiture of the entire cost of the tour. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; medical insurance is required.
For more information, please download our fact sheet.
Questions? Email Susan Khalje Couture.