A WORLD-FAMOUS work of embroidery will visit Cornwall next year. Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro will host the international sensation The Red Dress in January 2027.

The world's largest collaborative embroidery project, The Red Dress is constructed from 87 panels of burgundy silk dupion and is a global storytelling phenomenon, having previously appeared in venues from Paris to Cairo, Dubai to Mexico City.

Between 2009 and 2023, the garment travelled across five continents and now features the work of 380 embroiderers from 51 countries - including refugees, conflict survivors, artisans, students, embroidery professionals and first-time stitchers. Many were vulnerable, marginalised or living in poverty; 141 commissioned embroiders were paid for their work and receive annual donations from the project.

Museum co-director Bryony Robins said: “We are supremely excited to be welcoming The Red Dress to Cornwall, and have a diverse programme of events and engagement activities for schools, community groups and local artisans planned around the exhibition.

“This world-class cultural happening in deepest, darkest January affirms the quality of the exhibitions and events we aim to bring to Cornwall to enrich the lives of our communities.”

The Red Dress was conceived and project-managed by artist Kirstie Macleod to share stories on the global stage through the universal language of stitch. “I'm looking forward to bringing The Red Dress to Cornwall,” said Kirstie. “I know there are innovative plans for celebrating the project as a vehicle for self-expression and an opportunity for marginalised voices to be heard.”

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery will also be showing Madeleine Walker’s Urban Sirens, a hand-embroidered cape exploring themes of sustainability and Cornish folklore.

Tickets are on sale and early booking is recommended. An adult ticket costs £10 and includes general museum admission and an Annual Pass; under 18s go free.