Trevor Small turns brain injury into embroidery art practice

Trevor Small, a former mechanic, became a full-time embroidery artist after a brain injury in 2001 left him in a coma and disabled his left arm. He spent two and a half years at Homerton Hospital in London, relearning basic tasks. Introduced to Headway East London, he discovered stitching and embroidery in the arts room, now chain-stitching horses, animals, and flowers. Unable to use his left arm, he stabilizes his frame with a brick in a bag or a heavy book. Staff and volunteers help with threading. His first subject was a horse, inspired by childhood toy horses and cowboy shows. His works have been exhibited at Autograph Gallery, Barbour Curve Gallery, and The Bomb Factory, Shoreditch. He participated in the Royal Academy's inaugural Making Space programme (2023-2025). Embroidery aids his memory and focus. He also teaches others in the studio.