The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle is playing host to ‘Stories in Stitch’, a new capsule collection of artworks, most of which have not been shown before.

I absolutely adore this piece by Lady Danesfort from 1928 (detail pictured), an embroidered copy of an interior from the Dutch 17th century master Pieter de Hooch. Exquisitely detailed, it’s sure to be a highlight of ‘Stories in Stitch’, an exhibition that shines a spotlight on an artform that has often been shunted to the sidelines. The show draws out the stories of the makers (mainly girls and women – maybe a reason for said shunting) and also looks at the sundry influences on the form from art and social history. A light is also shone on the development of embroidery materials, techniques and teachings from the 17th-20th century. DP

Stories in Stitch, until 29 September, The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, thebowesmuseum.org.uk