Stitch in Time

For three months, 14 craft women from different backgrounds, met every week at Gloucester Archives and shared stitches, life stories and laughter while creating this wonderful artwork. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, they have created their own interpretation of the history and heritage of Gloucester, with their own stories and inspiration.

Co-created by Jacqui Grange (City Voices), Halima Malek (Strike a Light Associate) with Nafisa Jadwat stitching the panels together and Morag Potter stitching on the backing. These women, together with Elisabeth Wall, Sarah Snell-Pym, Farah Kriel, Maryam Bham, Sajeeda Hassanjee, Rainey Jayne, Ally Goff, Faatimah Bham, Lou Spira, and Amy Freeman each stitched a panel to create a rainbow snapshot of what they love about Gloucester.

The panels included:

• Exploring the history of the Kingsholm Area, including the Rugby Stadium.
• Representing several types of transport and museums and a love of Gloucester history.
• Portraying Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia who has such strong connections to Gloucester.
• Rejoicing in love of the Gloucester Cathedral architecture.
• Exploring the meanings buildings can hold for different people across different times.
• Marvelling at the international appeal of Gloucester Cheese Rolling.
• Celebrating mosques as they highlight the diversity of Gloucester.
• Extolling the wonders of “The Folk” of Gloucester, both its history and vibrant use today.
• Thomas Denny Cathedral window and developing a voice as a woman of faith and an artist.
• Combining the old with the new creating an illusion of GLEVUM 2021.
• Celebratingthe inspirational architecture of College Green.
• Paintings portraying a beautiful Gloucester garden, and the plant and wildlife found there.
• Delving into the wonderful story of the Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter.
• Championing the role of volunteers and celebrating the safe spaces created in the City.