Bigger than Bayeux

Alice Hipwell's community project aims to create a fabric picture bigger than the Bayeux Tapestry.

Inspired by the world famous 900 year old Bayeux Tapestry, at nearly 70 metres long and 50 centimetres tall, that tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066, Head of Art and Design Technology at Glebe House School Alice Hipwell has devised and is leading the Bigger than Bayeux community project.

Alice, who lives in Hunstanton, said:

“It has been a unique and unsettling few weeks. Key workers are under pressure, parents are juggling home schooling with working from home while others are frightened or stressed by the never-ending cycle of bad news.

"So, during this period when we are spending more time at home I thought that a project that celebrates the world around us would provide a sense of routine and community for everyone involved.

“The theme for our ‘Bigger than Bayeux’ challenge is Nature and I am asking people of all ages to sow, stitch or paint a picture on a piece of fabric that measures 22cm x 22cm.

“Ideas for your square include a daffodil, a hedgehog, a leaf, a robin, a blackbird, a chaffinch, a rose, a lily, a ladybird, a lion, a sun, some grasses or something else – you decide!

The collection point for your work is Glebe House School 2 Cromer Rd, Hunstanton PE36 6HW. Please put your square(s) in an envelope marked ‘Bigger than Bayeux’.

"Once we’ve collected the squares, and we need just over a thousand, I will sew them all together to make a record breaking work for East Anglia over 70 metres long. The only challenge then will be where and how to display it!” She added.

Alice suggests you keep it simple and keep it bright; and if you need inspiration here are a few photos of some completed squares.

Lily and Max with their squares

Freddie's square