Jan Messent

Jan Messent qualified as a teacher in the mid-50s and, after teaching Art, History and English, became deeply involved with embroidery as an art form. As a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild, she taught embroidery design to its members, wrote and ilustrated design books, and lectured worldwide.

In 1996, she was commissioned by Madeira Threads to reconstruct the last and missing eight feet of The Bayeux Tapestry, which can be seen in James Cook Memorial Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK. In the process of making this stunning panel, she wrote the tour de force The Bayeux Tapestry Embroiderers' Story – an illustrated history on the embroiderers behind the masterpiece. This was first published in 1999 by Madeira Threads and later published in 2010 by Search Press.

Now, having retired from lecturing, Jan dedicates her time to a number of arts and crafts, including drawing, painting, embroidery, knitting and crochet. She's an avid lover of history and classical music, and Jan is the Hon. President of the Basingstoke Creative Stitchers.