Organisers of Home is Where the Arch is – a project celebrating Northfield’s heritage – are inviting residents to help in creating a tapestry artwork and archive of community memories.
In 1170 an arched doorway was built for St Laurence’s Church. Today, this arch is the OLDEST surviving piece of architecture in the whole of Birmingham!
850 years on in 2020, St Laurence Church and Woolly Mammoth Stitch Works are seeking hundreds of local residents of all ages and abilities to stitch a tapestry brick to help create a collaborative ‘arch’ artwork.
“Some of our stitchers have been telling us about their connections to Northfield; going to St Laurence School and getting married in the church. One lady has traced her great great grandfather to the Northfield nail-making industry.
“The archway is going to be so colourful and full of personality! We are enjoying seeing the variety of bricks that have been sent back.”
What connections do you have to Northfield? You might decide to stitch one of Northfield’s historic buildings onto your tapestry brick for the arch? Tiny has done an example for #HomeIsWhereTheArchIs Find out how to get involved https://t.co/Ky68VTXYwC 🪡 🪡 #NorthfieldRevealed pic.twitter.com/5A0kWO1o7N
— Woolly Mammoth Stitch Works CIC (@Woolly_Works) May 29, 2020
The Revd Canon Janet Chapman, Rector of St Laurence, said: “We’ve started to receive some completed tapestry bricks and it is so exciting seeing the designs and learning about people’s connections with Northfield. The first one was made by the great, great grandaughter of a man who helped make the stained glass windows for St Laurence Church.
“I’m making one which says ‘Welcome’ as we are about to welcome a new curate and we want to welcome everyone back to church soon. I can’t wait to see them all put together to form an arch to reflect the Norman Arch in the Church.”
Take part!
Over 200 stitchers have already signed up to the project, with tapestry kits being delivered to resident’s doors at no cost to participants.
Suze said: “We are looking for more collaborators to stitch themselves into this community tapestry! Absolute beginners are welcome and we provide stitch guides and tutorials to get you started. We may be able to do some events later in the year, but in the meantime we can post a kit to you to do at home.”
The project is suitable for experienced stitchers and absolute beginners, aged 5 or over, who live in one of the following postcode areas: B31, B22, B29, B30, B32, B38, B45.
To request a kit or find out more, email northfield@woollymammothstitch.works or call 07726 230798.
BVoices is committed in supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Please see the following:
• Community Chat for south west Birmingham • Coronavirus support
• Community Classroom – Resources for parents & carers
• Community Together • Mental Health & Wellbeing through COVID-19
• Community Kindness • Positive acts during the COVID-19 outbreak
• SW Brum Camera Club – for the love of the lens – Photography Birmingham
• SWBrum Jobs Page
• Community Recycle – Repurpose & Reuse – SW Birmingham & Surrounding