The Liverpool Tapestry:
People, Places and Passions
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113
“
This is where my mother-in-law Winifred Wood and her sisters
Gertrude and Edna lived from approximately 1922 – 1932. It was
wonderful for them to have get-togethers with their friends either
in the function room or billiards room – an extra attraction for
boyfriends I imagine!
At the start, taking part in this was very interesting – learning
something new. In searching for inspiration, I went to Liverpool
places unvisited since my childhood, which gave the opportunity to
appreciate the wonderful architecture of so many buildings in the
city and the outskirts.
A bonus was all the people I met at the meetings. Many, like myself,
had never worked or lived in Liverpool but had family history
there. We were people from all walks of life, and age wise spanned
from children to grandmothers. Each had a story to tell, and did so
through our tapestries and by just talking! Many new friendships
were formed and I keep in touch with some that I made there. It
was an extremely productive and rewarding two years for me, and a
privilege to take part in. “
During the Irish Potato Famine, it is estimated that some 1.3
million people from Ireland passed through the port of Liverpool,
either to settle or en route elsewhere, during the famine. It is
reported that the response of the authorities at that time was not
sympathetic, with martial law, forcible deportation to the colonies
or back to Ireland and indifference or hostility from the non-Irish
community were the order of the day.
This memorial, by the artist Eammon O’Doherty, is situated
at St. Luke’s Church, Leece Street.
The Lamb, Wavertree
Designed and stitched by Patricia Green
Irish Famine Monument
Designed and stitched by Catherine Griffiths