Wells Cathedral is to host a four-metre tapestry designed to recognise the wartime contributions of Black British, Caribbean and African service personnel. The artwork is to go on display as part of a series of Remembrance events and services at the cathedral, marking the 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II.
A multi-participant project, woven by Bristol-based textile company, Dash and Miller, ‘Tapestry of Black Britons’ is designed to elevate Black British history and contribute to a more inclusive historical narrative. Artist, Paula Ogun Hector, who leads the project, said the work was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and by African woven traditions. She added: “The ‘Tapestry of Black Britons’ exhibition at Wells Cathedral spotlights inclusive British history, fostering a deeper understanding of our collective past and present. The World War II design honours the contribution of peoples of African descent to conflict, marking this year’s 80th anniversary.
“This evolving artwork not only celebrates the African diaspora contributions to British culture, politics and society, but is also designed to show that, out of many threads, we are one fabric. This exhibition was made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.”
At Wells Cathedral, the tapestry is to be accompanied by a programme of events and services to commemorate the 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II, starting with a Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on 1 November.
Other events scheduled at the cathedral throughout November include the Remembrance Sunday Eucharist Service, a concert for Remembrance by Wells Cathedral Choir with Wells Cathedral School Chamber Choir, an Act of Remembrance at Wells Cathedral’s War Memorial, a talk on Emperor Haile Selassie’s time in Bath and Wells during World War II, and a creative workshop to explore the lives of the people depicted in ‘Tapestry of Black Britons’.
The ‘Tapestry of Black Britons’ exhibition will be at Wells Cathedral from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 29 November. More information about all of the Remembrance events and services at Wells Cathedral this year can be found on the Wells Cathedral website.