Between 5 Sep and 18 Sep 11 unique tapestries representing the six towns and other areas in Walsall Borough will be on display in Hall 1. The tapestries reflect the borough’s living history, diversity and commonality; acknowledge the past, reflect the present and embrace the future.
Each one of the tapestries represents at least 5000 sewing hours clocked up by an array of volunteers. The final inspiration of Walsall Councils Creative Development Team, the project ran for nearly a year and involved hundreds of local people, both as story tellers and stitchers.
People came form far and wide during the first three months of the project, to have their say on what should feature on each tapestry. Artist Hunt Emerson turned their stories into illustrations which were then lovingly stitched into more than 12 Square metres of fabric.
Each tapestry features a different area of the borough, capturing Walsall’s living history and diverse geographical communities. The Willenhall Tapestry features the Locksmiths Cottage (which is now run by BCLM). A sewing event was held at the cottage involving ladies from the local Gurdwara, which is also featured on the Willenhall Tapestry, who were able to see the history brought to life in the cottage and lock workshops.
The Project was the brainchild of Creative Development Team Manager Maxwell Bailey who wrote a successful funding bid to Arts Council England. Sadly Max died before seeing the final tapestries completed, having fought a 4 year battle with cancer.
The continued tour of the tapestries is supported by Walsall Creative Factory CIC and Creative Black Country funded by The Arts Council England also by the sales of postcard packs.
To find out more about more please visit www.creativefactory.org.uk or Walsall Silver Thread Facebook page
The exhibition is free of charge and it located in the exhibition hall in our main visitor reception building.
General admission prices to apply if visitors would like to visit the rest of the Museum.