Passementerie Tassel Making Workshop with Elizabeth Ashdown
- Saturday 17th January 2026
- 10am – 4.30pm
- Ham Yard Hotel
- £110 per person, including all materials, morning coffee and a two course lunch in Ham Yard Restaurant
Join one of the UK’s last remaining passementerie makers, Elizabeth Ashdown, for a rare opportunity to explore the exquisite and 'endangered' art of tassel-making.
Once reserved for royal palaces and grand interiors, passementerie is the intricate craft of creating decorative trimmings and elaborate tassels – a centuries-old tradition that is now officially recognised as an endangered heritage skill in the UK.
In this hands-on, full-day workshop, Elizabeth will guide guests through the process of designing and creating a contemporary key tassel using authentic materials and traditional tools. From selecting your colours to the final decorative details, you’ll craft a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Alongside practical instruction, Elizabeth will share her expert knowledge and personal journey in preserving this historic art form, offering insight into the world of British craftsmanship and interior design.
The day includes coffee and cake on arrival and a delicious, seasonal lunch served in Ham Yard Restaurant.
ABOUT ELIZABETH ASHDOWN
Elizabeth Ashdown is one of the UK’s last remaining passementerie makers. She trained in constructed textiles at the Royal College of Art. Elizabeth has collaborated with luxury fashion houses, interior designers, and heritage institutions, creating intricate trimmings and tassels that celebrate colour, craftsmanship and creativity.
PLEASE NOTE: We kindly request that guests bring an apron to protect their clothes during the workshop.