Novice artisans can try out weaving and learn about the fabric of Coventry’s rich history in a series of unique craft workshops.
Visitors are invited to contribute to a new artwork, inspired by the historic Coventry Tapestry, during three public sessions in the Great Hall at St Mary’s Guildhall.
The workshops are linked to The Big Weave, a project designed to make weaving accessible and create vibrant tapestries in the process. They will take place from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 3pm on April 5 and April 6. The first session took place on March 25; attracting huge interest.
The Big weave is a St Mary’s Guildhall’s community grant project, which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players. The project is one of a number of community grants awarded as part of a £2million + Heritage Fund investment, to help increase and diversify audience access to the site.
The funding included capital works to enhancing the site's accessibility and preservation of the famous Coventry tapestry. It enables the Guildhall to remain accessible throughout the year as a Heritage Visitor attraction, showcasing its significance in the city's history and inviting a broad audience to explore its rich medieval architecture and centuries-old tales. Various activities, events, and community involvement initiatives are tailored to engage individuals of all ages and interests.
The centrepiece of the modern-day creation has been designed by Diane Wood, lead artist with The Big Weave, and features a daisy in homage to Margaret of Anjou’s appearance on Coventry’s 500-year-old tapestry, thought to be the oldest still in its original place in Britain.
Margaret, wife of King Henry VI, was closely associated with the daisy, owing to the French translation of her name. The royal couple had a close relationship with Coventry, in a further link to the city.
The Guildhall’s Queer Writing Group started the new 70cm by 70cm design, with further contributions from several community groups including Carers Trust Heart of England, Young Carers and Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre. Now it’s the general public’s turn.
“It’s coming along beautifully at the moment,” said Niamh Carton from No Ordinary Hospitality Management, which operates St Mary’s Guildhall.
“It’s all about storytelling through textiles. We are meeting people who work with this art style on a day-to-day basis because there’s a really active weaving and spinning scene in the city.
“But we also want contributions from beginners because this project is all geared towards opening the world of weaving to more people.”
Five people can be on the loom that adds to the tapestry at any one time. Close supervision will be provided and skilled volunteers will be on hand to help contributors weave sticks and pick up other skills.
When the piece is not being worked on, it’s displayed in the Drapers’ Room at St Mary’s Guildhall, which is hosting the craft sessions as part of a collaboration with Coventry Peace House and Weaver’s Workshop.
Niamh added: “There’s something really special about it being tied to the Coventry tapestry, which sits in our Great Hall. The colours and design of this new tapestry are inspired by it.
“Weaving has always been significant to Coventry. Wool was dyed here before it was spun into large cloths which made the city rich and powerful. And because St Mary’s Guildhall is a merchant’s guild, it was directly involved in that industry.
“It’s a really nice thing to be tied to the history of the city and modern-day practitioners.”
People can take part with a general admission ticket for a day when the workshops are being held.
Once finished, the new tapestry will take pride of place next to the Coventry Tapestry.