Stitches In Time

One of the parts of the "Castle Reborn" project which I have been following with particular interest is the needlework. In the Great Hall there are a number of hangings, and in the adjacent room, a wonderful embroidery - a sequel, if you like, to the Bayeux Tapestry.  

All this stitched by Norfolk women, worked to an exceedingly high standard. Here is the 'year' piece- twelve months, with sun, moon, earth and ocean in the corners.

 And here is a hanging depicting the six kings. Find out about the 'Bayeux Sequel' here

It has been hung rather high on the wall, so you cannot really see it in detail - I learned on Wednesday that many visitors have remarked on this, so maybe it will be put in a more accessible spot.

But there are panels showing some details hanging at eye level in another room

As I walked round on Monday, I was involved in a WhatsApp chat with Kirsten - the whole idea for our collaborative stitching was actually born out of an earlier visit to the Castle 3½ years ago.

"I wish you were here" I typed. There was so much inspirational stitching. I suspect some of it will definitely get into this year's TwoByTwo project.

I love that these two 'sampler' panels have such interesting stitching between the patches - gold on red cloth, and the simpler blue on white.

The people behind the Reborn Project felt it was important to ask local Norfolk Women [from the Costume and Textiles Association] to do this work - and although it is strictly an embroidery [as is the original Bayeux piece] they refer to this one also as a Tapestry.

Better photos and more details here,

The last section ends with the words

"All noise of wars, thanks be to God, is quiet in the English lands"
I am grateful for the peace of my life in East Anglia right now - would that this were true across our world.