From May to July 2026 Laura exhibited her collection of textile embroidered postcards referencing her love of Scottish architecture at Bard Scotland. The exhibition was called Wish You Were Here. And we’ll let Bard themselves tell you more about it…
Laura has embroidered her preferred Edinburgh buildings and vistas, stitching her way out of madness when she moved back to her hometown in 2019 and found very little had changed. “It was all oldy worldy - tartan towels everywhere,” says Laura. This is a show about people and place, connection and memory, rendered in thread.
“There’s a bit of madness involved in the sheer tenacity of embroidering a postcard out of thread, knowing full well it’s going to take me hours. Days..” Laura admits. “There’s a Scottish Presbyterian attitude that keeps me grounded. ‘Oh you’re just doing that are you?’ it says.“
Wish You Were Here is on at Bard until Saturday 18th July. Bard is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11-5pm and by appointment outside these times.
All photos by Murray Orr
@iamlauralees
@bard.scotland
@murrayorr
Inspired by publishers workshop, Reupholstered freehand machine embroidery. Applique in Kvadrat fabric.
Photography : Alex Maclean
As part of RIBA's Circling the Square exhibition season: Freehand machine embroidered a portrait of No.1 Poultry in The City.
Collection of freehand machine embroidered postcards (Edinburgh University, Torness Nuclear Power Station, Royal Commonwealth Pool) as featured in The Guardian, London Craft Week and Edinburghs Dovecot Studios. Individuals and sets available in the Laura Lees shop.
Taking inspiration from Hildaur Neilsen's 1958 iconic rotating file device, Freehand machine embroidery on stool and cushions.
Photography : Alex Maclean
Inspired by book spines, freehand machine embroidery.
Photography : Alex Maclean
Joint venture with Uncommon Projects. Freehand machine embroidery on Kvadrat fabric. Ply base by Uncommon Projects.
Jigsaw Collection, freehand machine embroidered using Kvadrat fabric on Arts & Crafts armchair, Telephone Table and Hairpin stool. Chair commissioned by Mark Lewis Interiors. Telephone Table and Hairpin private commissions.
Telephone Table photographed by Åsa Westerlund
Freehand machine embroiderey on hard wearing Kvadrat fabric. Each stool/pouffe is unique.
Photography: Åsa Westerlund
Commissioned by Gospel Oak Primary School. Displayed in the entrance as a symbol of the positive, inclusive and diverse nature of the school. Applique, freehand machine embroidery all in Kvadrat fabric. View Workshops section for further details.
Photography : Åsa Westerlund
Freehand machine embroidery in Kvadrat fabric
Freehand machine embroidery and applique in Kvadrat fabric, handmade and finshed cushion. Check shop for availability.
Photography : Åsa Westerlund
A selection of finished, unique freehand machine embroidered piano stools for sale here. You can also commission your own bespoke stool here.
Photography: Åsa Westerlund
Hand tufted rug. Edinburgh city centre map.
Moroccan Pattern Stools. Reconditioned antique footstools reupholstered with freehand machine embroidered and appliquéd tweed or Kvadrat fabric.
Freehand machine embroidery and applique. Commissioned by The Douglas Hotel, Isle of Arran.
