The 80 Candles Quilt

The 80 Candles Quilt is a collaborative textile project created to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Participants carried out their own research into the lives of 80 individuals affected by the Nazi regime, reflecting on the histories they uncovered and, in some cases, sharing personal or family stories. These stories were then translated into slow-stitched textile squares, creating a tactile, visual memorial that humanises the victims of genocide and provides space for reflection, empathy and learning.

Developed for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, the project offered participants a creative and contemplative space to connect with history and explore personal and family narratives through the meditative practice of slow stitching.

Project Overview

Participants engaged in research-led creative practice, exploring individual stories and historical records to inform their stitching. Each textile square contains a candle and in some way tell a little of the story of the person represented.

Each square measures 18cm, reflecting the Jewish numerological symbol Chai (life), a meaningful offering to the value of lives lost.

Workshops and postal stitch packs provided participants with opportunities to create individually or collaboratively. In total, 76 participants from across the UK took part, including members of the Derbyshire Jewish community and students at Queen Elizabeths Grammar School.

The project uniquely combined personal research with reflective stitching, allowing participants to process difficult histories, engage deeply with narrative and translate learning into a visible, lasting artwork.

Impact Highlights

Engaged communities with challenging histories and heritage
Created a safe, reflective space for dialogue, learning, and community connection
Lasting impact on participants through personal research, reflection and storytelling
Enabled participants to further share what they learned with audiences at events and workshops, including young participants who read a poem at the Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 commemoration
Book documenting the project accessioned into Derbyshire Libraries and the Wiener Holocaust Library, securing stories for future generations

Community Collaboration & Support

The 80 Candles Quilt was made possible through collaborative support from the National Holocaust Centre & Museum, The Multi Faith Centre, Derby, and the Derbyshire Jewish Community, who provided workshop spaces, facilitated engagement, and hosted talks and events.

Participants have and continue to actively support the sharing of the quilt, helping to present stories and experiences at events, ensuring the voices behind the quilt were heard.

Exhibitions & Legacy

The quilt has been exhibited at over 20 locations, including The National Holocaust Centre, The Multi Faith Centre, Derby Cathedral, Ashbourne Heritage Centre, No28 Belper, Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, Matlock Town Hall, Chesterfield Library and other community venues. Participants contributed to talks, workshops, and storytelling, bringing the narratives to life for audiences. The quilt was also featured as part of the 2025 Holocaust Memorial Day “Light the Darkness” illuminations, with the University of Derby creating a moving film projection set to music, displayed on the Multi Faith Centre building, offering a striking and immersive way for the community to engage with the memorial.

Upcoming exhibitions are planned with Derby Libraries in April and May 2025, and I am always keen to work with venues, organisations and community groups who would like to host the quilt, explore its stories, or develop workshops around the project.

The quilt’s legacy is secured through The 80 Candles Quilt Book: Honouring Individual Lives Through Collaborative Stitch, a beautioful full colour publication preserving the quilt and the narratives it contains for future generations. Find out more / buy a copy of the book here.

A Living Memorial

The 80 Candles Quilt is more than a textile, it is a living memorial. Through research, reflection, and stitching, participants have humanised history, created tangible connections, and inspired understanding and compassion. Each square tells a story, each stitch carries intention, and collectively, the quilt reflects memory, care and hope for the future.