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The Liverpool Tapestry:
People, Places and Passions
B
ack in 2007 when Liverpool was planning its Capital of
Culture celebrations for 2008, we decided that Home
Bargains should play an active part in the celebrations. Rather
than just sponsor a “pop concert”, we thought it would be
more beneficial to create projects that got the people of
Merseyside actively involved in culture and the arts. The result
was “Go Create 08”, a range of art -based projects to capture
the spirit of Liverpool in ’08. These included competitions for
Christmas card and mug design and photography and picture
competitions for budding Merseyside artists. These proved to
be an instant success, resulting in some great pieces of artwork
and merchandise sold in Home Bargains stores in 2008 to raise
money for charity. The main project was, however, much longer
in the making; the Liverpool Tapestry.
On a wet and windy evening in October 2007 at The Chimney’s pub
in Hooton, I met up with Gill Roberts and Elsie Watkins from the
Merseyside Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Little did they know
what they were letting themselves in for. I described my vision of the
project. They were interested. “How big do you think it will end up?”
Gill asked. “Oh, about as big as that window”, was my reply, picking
the biggest window I could find in the pub. Well it is least three times
bigger than the window, it took three times longer to produce than
we thought, but is at least three times more impressive. We believe
the people of Liverpool will think it was worth all the effort.
I would like to thank all the contributors to the project for their hard
work and dedication. Particular thanks needs to go to Gill Roberts
and Elsie Watkins who have worked tirelessly to make the whole thing
happen. It is very much their piece of work. I would also like to thank
Anne-Mare Hughes, our professional textile conservator, who has
stitched the individual panels into the completed triptych, and given
invaluable advice. I also need to thank Sue Newhouse, who created the
Knutsford Millennium Tapestry, for her invaluable advice on how to
get the project started.
We are very proud of our creation. We hope you enjoy it.
Joe Morris
Operations Director
Home Bargains
TJ Morris Ltd
Foreword by Joe Morris
Sponsor of The Liverpool Tapestry