The 80 Candles Quilt has been out on the road since the unveiling at the end of January. From the Multi Faith Centre and Derby Cathedral to No 28 Belper, Swadlincote’s Tourist Information Gallery and then to Ashbourne; the response from visitors has been truly incredible.
At every exhibition, pop up and showing the quilt has provoked deeply felt and often visible emotions of compassion, horror and sadness. People are drawn in by the quilt inspecting the details and curious about the stories each square tells. They ask questions and discuss with fellow viewers, keen to know more and seemingly determined to share and remember what they have learnt.
There has been much talk of how the quilt can be used as an educational resource, especially with children, and it’s wonderful that photographs are being shared at schools in Nottingham with pupils being asked to draw their own square in response. A small pamphlet has been published with an overview of the quilt project, including the names of all the people honored and the names of those who created the squares, these are being sold alongside a postcard at £2 each. All funds are going towards the quilt project, supporting continued sharing of the quilt at exhibitions and talks and funding the publication of a book to share the research carried out by participants. This is currently in progress, with participants supporting the process. So, watch this space!
Over the coming months the quilt will continue its travels including a Pop-up Exhibition and Fundraiser on Saturday 29th March 2pm – 4pm at Brailsford Methodist Church, Brailsford. Participants and I will be on hand to talk visitors through the project and some of the stories held within the quilt and they’ll be tea, coffee and cakes for sale alongside postcards and pamphlets. I do hope you will join us!
Visitor Feedback…
An incredible piece that serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignorant, extremist rhetoric. G. Sharp, Church Greesley.
So emotional, such a beautiful thing to memorialise those who should always be remembered. Michelle, Swadlincote.
Thought provoking, inspirational art work. We should never forget. N Tilley, South Derbyshire District Council
Very moving, every stitch filled with memory. Memory keeps the departed alive, the Nazi’s didn’t murder their names. L. Pass, Overseal.
A wonderful project highlighting the hidden stories and connecting lives together both past and present. J. Dowding, Swadlincote.
So emotional and thought provoking! A beautiful piece that needs to be seen. Julie, Swadlincote.
Truly beautiful and feels eternally important – especially now. Thank you for humanising the numbers and telling these stories. Cameron and Sally, London.
Stunning and truly amazing. Telling incredible stories. B. Shenton, Ashbourne.
Every Stitch A Story 