The Liverpool Tapestry:
People, Places and Passions
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59
“
I first saw the Liverpool Tapestry mentioned in an article in the
Liverpool Echo. As I have always taught needlework and textiles
it seemed like a good idea to use my ‘spare’ time during retirement
to have a go at something which would use some of my skills, and
would also help commemorate our year as European Capital of
Culture and would hopefully be part of Liverpool’s heritage long
after I am gone.
When I saw that it was under the auspices of the Merseyside Branch
of the Embroiderers’ Guild I wasn’t at all confident that my work
would be good enough or that I would know enough stitches etc.
I thought that the work that would be required would be far more
complicated than anything I had ever had to know about as a teacher.
However, I needn’t have worried. I chose a fairly simple Lambanana
for my first piece – Banana Rock – which was originally located on
The Strand but is now situated outside 60 Hope Street. I thoroughly
enjoyed doing it and gained enough confidence to want to do more.”
“
For my second piece I chose to do the Starry Sunflower
Superlambanana which was sited in Olive Mount Gardens in Wavertree,
a new development of private housing, social housing and sheltered
accommodation near where I live. It was sponsored by Cosmopolitan
Housing and was placed in the newly landscaped linear park overlooked
on one side by sheltered accommodation and on the other by
bungalows. It brought pleasure to the local residents and lots of visitors
to the garden. So much so, that when sadly it had to leave us and go to
be auctioned off, Cosmopolitan decided to purchase their very own one
and ask the artist to paint it for them. There is now a Superlambanana
of Monet’s Water Lilies in its place.
Taking part in the Liverpool Tapestry has been a wonderful experience.
I met people I will stay in touch with. We had lots of fun and laughter
and along the way I found I had developed the confidence to have a go
at subjects I wouldn’t have even considered before, knowing that there
were so many talented individuals ready and willing to offer help and
advice.”
Banana Rock Superlambanana
Designed and stitched by Sheilagh Birch
Sta
rry Sunflower Superlambanana
Designed and stitched by Sheilagh Birch