Over 3 weeks in September, we ran the Alice Billing House Embroidery project. A collaborative piece of embroidery art created by the residents of Newham. It was launched on Sat 7 September as part of the Creative Industries Festival organised by UEL. This was a day of free activities across Stratford to connect, educate, and inspire the generation of talent.
The design of the cloth was based on the history of the Alice Billing House, built in 105 as firefighters accommodation. Named after Alice Billing the Newham based 19th sanitary officer who worked in the borough.
“I have never done anything like this and I have enjoyed it” Jay, 36, Newham resident
Following this we invited community groups to Alice Billing House to learn embroidery and contribute to this piece of communal stitch art. Groups included patients and staff from St Barts NHS Trust, members of St. Luke’s Community Centre & The Dovetailed Community Centre.
“Nice to do something which is off your phone, with a group, chat and laugh together, I could stay here all day” Alison, St Luke’s, over 50’s community group
We then took the Supper Cloth on tour in Newlham to Abbey Gardens, Stratford Library, and the Stratford Centre. We met so many lovely Newham residents who contributed to the cloth, over 200. We enjoyed meeting and chatting with so many different and vibrant community members.
“It is very therapeutic and brings back old memories, I loved doing it and have come here every day. My daughter has enjoyed it, she is home-schooled and learned a lot” Umm, 39 Newham residents
“So pleased to have stopped to contribute to some community art!” Joyce, supply teacher, 62
We want to thank everyone who helped create this legacy piece of stitch art. And of course a massive thanks to Sticth School who designed and facilitated the workshops.
Mel from Stich School said of the project;
“It was great to work with such an enthusiastic and professional team who organised the Alice Billing House Supper Cloth. They had a clear vision of how they wanted to engage with the community with this project and have begun to forge strong relationships through this. The cloth is always a journey that builds over time taking its people with it. The aim is to foster pride, skill, purpose, confidence and working together with a diverse community who are given the opportunity to share stories and make new histories through embroidery.
This was an adventurous cloth! Taken to several local places, Stratford shopping center being to most ‘out there’ place but received the most surprise, gratification and laughs. This was down to Marguerite willingness to take risks and try different venues and get into the belly of the Stratford community.
As a result, the cloth is a rich tapestry and one of my favorites! I look forward to its continuing journey and building its own narrative. “
Another BIG BIG thank you to the Creative Land Trust for funding the project.