On Tuesday evening I was very lucky to attend at lecture by Dr. Susan Kay-Williams, the Chief Executive of the RSN entitled Royal RSN and Our 140 years.It was a fascinating insight into the history of the RSN through the stitching of the students and teachers. The lecture was in Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and work from students of the RSN Rugby branch was on display.There are more lectures scheduled  and I would recommend that you go if you can - I learned a lot and really enjoyed seeing images of embroidery from the RSN collection. Dates and time are listed below.If you can't attend a lecture, then I would highly recommend the book Handbook of Embroidery 1880.The Handbook has now been re-published in facsimile edition for the first time since 1880. New to this edition is an illustrated introductory essay written by Dr Lynn Hulse which gives a fascinating insight into the early history of the RSN. The book is a must for everyone interested in the history of art embroidery, nineteenth century studies, design and women's social and economic history.External Lectures with RSN Chief ExecutiveDr Susan Kay-Williams1) Royal RSN and Our140 Years Guildhall, High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3AJWednesday 5 September 2012 – 2.30pmTickets £12 per head   T: +44(0)1483 444751 E: heritage services@guildford.gov.uk2) Royal RSN and Our 140 Years Sunnycroft National Trust property, ShropshireFriday 7 September 2012 – 7pm200 Holyhead Road, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2DR   Tickets £6 per head T: +44(0)1952 242884If you're interested in seeing more of RSN student work, here are two future exhibitions.Bristol  - see RSN Bristol Certificate & Diploma students’ work; demonstrations and sign up for new classesFriday 10 - Saturday 11 August : 10am to 4pmDownend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Bristol, BS16 2RWDurham - see RSN Durham Certificate & Diploma students’ workThursday 25 - Saturday 27 October 20123 Fowlers Yard, Back Sliver Street, Durham City, DH1 3RA