The Leeds Tapestry is a magnificent collaged embroidery of 16 panels which tells the story of one city’s life through the artistic work of its people.
The Leeds Tapestry is a magnificent collaged embroidery of 16 panels which tells the story of one city’s life through the artistic work of its people.
In a 10-year project which culminated in 2002, hundreds of men, women and children devoted their time and skills to creating a breath-taking montage of Leeds life, each 2.4 metres x 1.5 metres (8’ x 3’ 6") panel representing a theme drawn from the community including Education, Health, Transport, the Environment, Textile and Industrial Heritage, Local Faces and Leeds in Bloom.
The project, which has been likened to a modern-day Bayeux’, was facilitated and designed by Leeds textile artist Kate Russell, whose vision to create an authentic and rich tapestry of Leeds’ life involving the diverse sectors of the city was inspired by a quote from Lewis Hydes’ book The Gift’: "Art that matters to people, delights the senses, moves the heart, revives the soul and offers courage for living".
Individuals from all walks of life and from age 4 to 94 have had a hand in the research, design and construction of the panels. Absolute beginners as well as professional textile artists have worked side by side from the outset of the project, sharing skills and strategies. Organisations and individuals to be represented on these panels were invited to contribute both financially and in the research and design processes.
The Tapestry is on display at Leeds Central Library.