In the period between Holy Week and Pentecost in 2021 the public were invited to tie ‘Ribbons of Remembrance’ to the railings near the old Catalpa Tree outside the West Front of Rochester Cathedral.  These ribbons of many colours were tied in memory of loved ones, or in general solidarity with all who have suffered, died or grieved during the previous 12 months of coronavirus pandemic.

Now these ribbons have been carefully collected and stored to form the material for a community art project led by Wendy Daws and Päivi Seppälä.  They will explore weaving methods and share the craft and tradition of creating rag rugs working with ribbons, fabric, new and donated to create a background ‘canvas’ onto which the Ribbons of Remembrance will be carefully and lovingly added.

 On August 4, 11, 18 and 25 participatory community workshops will take place in the Lady Chapel, facilitated by the artists, and people of all ages and abilities will be invited to add their individual textile designs to the collective artwork by weaving and looping ribbons and fabric strips on pre cut shapes of the backing material. Consequently a large ‘wall rug’ will be made, to be exhibited complete later in the year.