By Sarah Dale
9 December 2025
Beth Wilson is thrilled to “sew” the seed to young creatives to start a career in Tees Valley
There was a definite buzz in the air at Beth Wilson Embroidery’s studio in Stockton with students, teachers, artists and fans of Beth’s exquisite designs all clamouring to get up close to the dresses and jackets on display and enjoy a sneak peek behind the scenes.
Seeing what Beth has achieved on a special display wall of photographs – which documented some of the highlights of 2025 including attending Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival, winning Small Business of the Year at the Tees Businesswomen Awards, winning a National Embroidery Award, and being awarded the title of one of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Tees Valley Artists of the Year – as well as watching her work in action in the digital sewing machine room, mood boards of the design process and several bespoke dresses, suits and jackets, was “very inspirational” for students and tutors alike.
Beth, who specialises in creative digital embroidery design for fashion and textiles, opened her studio in Digital House to the public on Friday [December 5] to inspire other young textiles artists and designers, celebrate all she has achieved in 2025, and invite feedback on what she should do next.
“I feel so humbled and deeply grateful for the number of people who came through our doors, especially those with a real passion for the digital creative scene here in the region,” said Beth.
“It’s so easy to keep your head down, stay focused on the day-to-day, and forget to look up and take in the bigger picture. Having the chance to pause and reflect on the year as a whole, not just for myself, but with everyone who attended was incredibly grounding.
“Hearing people’s feedback, answering their questions, and seeing their enthusiasm reminded me that what we’re building is resonating. It reassured me that we’re on the right path, and that we need to keep pushing forward: not only to strengthen and master our industry here in the North, but to open the doors for others to see it, join it, and feel inspired to create what they love.
“One of the biggest pinch-me moments was hearing, for the first time, the impact our work has already had on local education providers like The Northern School of Art. I’m excited to grow that relationship and continue building something truly world-class here in the Tees Valley.”
Jo Stenberg, a creative technician at the Northern School of Art, successfully bid for the funding of an embroidery machine at the college, after citing Beth’s success as an example to students who could stand to benefit from the new equipment.
Jo, who is a hand embroiderer, said: “When the students look at Beth and how successful a local embroidery artist can be, it really inspires them.
“The machine arrived a couple of weeks ago and represented a huge investment for the Northern School of Art.”
Jo added people don’t think of embroidery as being edgy, instead imagining “grannies sitting by the fire”, but Beth is breaking the mould with her designs, featuring motifs like snakes and skulls.
“It’s got a tattoo art feel to it, which is quite fashionable right now,” said Jo, who is pleased to have a link between Beth and the college’s aspiring students.
“It’s great to have this knowledge coming in from someone who is in the industry and Beth is not at all precious with her information and advice – she is really open about everything.
“She’s obviously worked extremely hard to get to where she is and reach that standard and it’s great to see.”
Textiles student Jess Langley, who is 20 and in her second year of a Textiles course at the Northern School of Art, added it is refreshing to see someone on Teesside doing so well.
She said: “I’d never heard of Beth before she came into the college to deliver a talk and I saw she was doing some unique embroidery work, which is quite cool.
“I could see myself researching her work or working with her – it was that kind of vibe.
“She was showing us things we could do and it was interesting learning from someone who has done what she has.”
Northumbria University student, Jan Tomas, said students are often led to believe they need to move away to find work in textiles – but Beth is proving that is not the case and there are opportunities right here on Teesside.
“Now I realise I could set up a business myself and that it’s possible to work remotely,” said Jan.
“Beth is the first person in the North East who I have heard of that has done something like this.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Beth is a fantastic example of how talented and creative people from Teesside are being helped to build successful careers and develop their brilliant businesses thanks to our unique and innovative Artist of the Year programme.
“We want local people to stay local and go far, and this is yet another success story which demonstrates the superb talent we have here in our region and how we are ensuring it can flourish with our backing.”
Dave Spencer, business partnership manager in the Digital & Creative department of Teesside University, who attended the “inspiring” evening, added: “Beth’s work is a true showcase of creativity and innovation – crafted by an enthusiastic and highly professional designer. The pieces on display were not only beautiful but demonstrated a fresh approach to embroidery that blends tradition with modern design.
“A big thank you to Beth for sharing her passion and talent with us. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn and appreciate the artistry behind every stitch.”
Tees Valley Artists of the Year is delivered by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and funded with the support of the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For more information about Beth Wilson Embroidery, visit www.bethwilsonembroidery.com
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