Helen McCook became a Graduate Apprentice of the Royal School of Needlework in 2003. She went freelance for a year before becoming Head of Textiles and Costume for Bonhams Auction House. Three and a half years later she became Atelier Manager for Hand and Lock. In 2008 Helen became freelance again in order to work on a range of projects including teaching and lecturing for the RSN, designing, making, exhibiting, and consultancy work on valuing, handling and displaying antique textiles. In 2011, Helen was honoured to be part of the RSN team who work on the wedding dress of the Duchess of Cambridge, created by Sarah Burton. Helen's work has been exhibited and is held in private collections worldwide.