Easter holiday craft sessions in Coventry

Novice artisans can try out weaving and learn about the fabric of Coventry’s rich history in a series of unique craft workshops.

People are being 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 centrepiece of the modern-day creation has been conceived by Diane Wood, lead artist with The Big Weave, and features a marguerite 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 120cm by 60cm 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.”

Six people can sit together at the loom adding to the tapestry at any one time. Close supervision will be provided and skilled volunteers will be on hand to help contributors weave on peg looms and sticks.

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 The 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 woven into Coventry Blue cloth 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.

Diane Wood said: “The Big Weave is a socially engaged practice with a strong track record of successful collaborative projects making weaving accessible, and the project with St Mary’s Guildhall will engage visitors in the making of a vibrant new woven tapestry inspired by the medieval Coventry Tapestry.

“Over the course of the residency, members of the public and community groups will be introduced to the traditional skills of weaving and work on the tapestry, bringing people together as a community in the impressive surroundings of the Great Hall.

“No previous weaving experience is needed – we will share a few simple skills and you will be weaving in no time! All ages and abilities can take part.”