When the Sunbury Embroidery Gallery was approached by BBC1’s Make it at Market to showcase one of their featured artists, Connie Baker-Horne immediately stood out.

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With a PhD in animal behaviour and over a decade of field experience studying animals like spotted hyenas, hamsters, and golden bell frogs, Connie approaches her art with a scientist’s eye and a deep connection to nature. Her work in animal behaviour has given her a unique perspective, observing not only the actions of animals but the subtle details; the way light gleams in their eyes and the patterns in their fur and skin. While her photography captured some of these moments, she longed for a medium that would allow her to truly celebrate the beauty and intricacies of wildlife in a hands-on, tactile way.

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When she discovered thread painting, everything clicked. Thread became her way to ‘paint’ animals in stunning detail, using embroidery to convey the depth and texture of the natural world.

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This journey led her to BBC1 Make it at Market, where, with the guidance of her mentor Stephanie from Hawthorn Handmade, she developed her meticulous approach into a thoughtful art form.

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Her art invites viewers to connect with nature in a unique way, one stitch at a time, and she now sees her work as a bridge to share the importance and beauty of the natural world.

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You can view an original piece by Connie Baker-Horne, along with a selection of her merchandise, in our gallery.

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Cbh embroidery | wildlife art