The Red Dress
A Global Masterpiece Comes to the Bath & West Showground
NEW DATE - 31st October 2026 | One Day Only
We are delighted to welcome the internationally celebrated Red Dress to the Craft4Crafters & Stitching4All Show at the Bath & West Showground for a very special one-day appearance on Saturday 31st October 2026.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see this extraordinary, embroidered artwork up close throughout the day and discover the remarkable stories stitched into its fabric.
The dress’s creator and curator, Kirstie Macleod, will also be joining us at the show to share the fascinating story behind the project, from its beginnings to its incredible journey around the world. Kirstie will talk about the people who contributed to the dress, the stories represented within its embroidery, and the impact the project has had on the international textile and embroidery community.
A Global Collaboration
Created by British artist Kirstie Macleod, the Red Dress is a powerful celebration of creativity, resilience and human connection.
Developed over 14 years, from 2009 to 2023, this award-winning collaborative embroidery project travelled across the globe, providing a platform for 367 artists from 51 countries to contribute their skills, experiences and stories.
The dress is constructed from 87 pieces of burgundy silk dupion, richly embroidered with designs that reflect the lives, cultures, struggles and triumphs of those who created them. Contributors include refugees, survivors of war and people from a wide range of communities and backgrounds, each adding their own unique voice to this extraordinary work of art.
A Celebration of Creativity and Connection
More than simply a beautiful garment, the Red Dress brings together hundreds of individual stories in one remarkable piece of textile art.
Its intricate embroidery celebrates the skills and traditions of makers from across the world, while its powerful story demonstrates how creativity can connect people across cultures, communities and continents.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the Red Dress up close, meet its creator and discover the extraordinary human stories behind one of the textile world’s most inspiring collaborative artworks.
Please note: The dress is expected to be on display between 11am and 4pm. While we will make every effort to maintain these timings, they may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
