Nellie Whichelo born Mary Eleanor Whichelo (6 July, 1862 – 12 July, 1959) was the British head designer of the Royal School of Art Needlework that was renamed the Royal School of Needlework.

Her parents were Louise (born Graham) and Henry Mayle Whichelo.

Her father was an artist who taught people to draw and his father (with the same name) had also been an artist[1] She joined the Royal School of Art Needlework with her sister Georgiana in 1879[1] when Louisa Anne Wade was the leading figure.

The textiles had taken 56 ladies, 8 weeks to embroider[1] and they won a gold medal.

It is said that her resignation was in protest at the blackout restrictions imposed as a result of war breaking out with Germany.