The Liverpool Tapestry:
People, Places and Passions
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11
Joe duly turned up for one of the workshops, bringing bribery for
all those participating (boxes of chocolates – now there’s a man who
knows the way to a woman’s heart) and proceeded to charm all those
taking part, accompanied by gales of laughter wherever he was in the
room. (So much so, that many ladies taking part asked me hopefully
at the next workshop when that “charming young man” was coming
back again, and barely concealed their disappointment when I couldn’t
give them a definitive answer). The object of the exercise, teaching
Joe how to stitch a square, was also expanded as he brought along his
own design (double size) and he proved to be a very adept stitcher,
mastering a good tension very quickly. He still dines out on his prowess
of having “perfect tension”…..!
As the tapestry project reached the 2nd birthday, Joe suggested that
perhaps we needed an exhibition of some of the pieces already
completed to start to generate interest in the final project. This was a
few months ahead of the final planned workshop, still giving chance
for people to join in if they wished. To our surprise, the prestigious
Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool were keen to mount the exhibition,
as they have a record of working with community arts projects and as
part of the National Galleries and Museums on Merseyside were keen
to promote the ‘home grown’ talent within the city.
Joe choosing wools for his design, aided by Janet Wilkinson from the Merseyside
Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild
Joe learning how to sew – one of the quickest learners I have
ever taught!