Ann Macbeth

Ann Macbeth (1875 -1948) was a British embroiderer designer, teacher, author and  a member of The Glasgow Movement that put into practice the ideas of the Arts & Crafts Movement.   

Women were able to flourish in Glasgow during a period of enlightenment that took place between 1885 and 1920, where women were actively pursuing art careers and The Glasgow School of Art enjoyed a period of international renown.  Macbeth led the way in embroidery design with her bold, appliquéd, patterned style inspired by nature ; embroidered panels featuring young girls with garlands or girls set within a landscape, similar to the stained glass pieces of the period.

In her teaching and publications Macbeth spread the radical approach to design, elevating the status of home dressmaking and encouraging women to create their own individualistic clothing. She was also an active suffragette and designed banners for suffragists and suffragettes movements.