Ribbons of Remembrance left beside Rochester Cathedral's Catalpa Tree in memory of loved ones during Covid. The 7 Ribbon panels woven by Wendy Daws and Päivi Seppälä.
In March 2021, to mark the first anniversary of lockdown, the public were invited to tie ribbons on the railings around the Cathedral Catalpa tree. These ribbons were tokens of love and affection for those who had died because of Covid 19. They were also signs of hope as we approached Easter and the promise that love conquers all, even death. The response was dramatic as a rainbow of ribbons spread quickly across the railings.
In the summer of that year the Dean of the Cathedral commissioned local artists Wendy Daws and Päivi Seppälä to create a more permanent memorial from those ribbons. With community involvement, Wendy and Päivi, created this wonderous interlocking pattern of fabric, somewhat reminiscent of Tibetan prayer flags or banners. This interconnected montage of coloured memories represents the thoughts and prayers of many and their hopes for the future.
God’s promise is that one day we shall be called into His banqueting house and his banner over each of us will be love (Song of Solomon 2v4). God’s banner of love is over all Creation and where there is love, there is hope.
Ribbons of Remembrance is currently on display in the Crypt
