A Cumbrian tapestry inspired by the work of Grayson Perry has been praised by the artist.
The tapestry was created through a collaboration with local charity Manna House, which supports homeless and vulnerably housed people in South Lakeland, and Lakeland Arts commissioned artist, Donna Campbell in 2019.
Due to the pandemic, it seemed the artist may not get to see the large-scale work, but a recent performance at Kendal’s Leisure Centre offered a window of opportunity to unite the two.
Donna said: “Having worked so hard on this unique piece we really wanted Grayson to see how much of an inspiration his Julie Cope’s Grand Tour: The Story of a Life by Grayson Perry exhibition at Abbott Hall had been for us all.
“The plan was for Grayson to come to Manna House’s Stephenson Centre but travel delays intervened and we ended up taking the huge tapestry to him! He was finally able to see it in all its glory just outside of his changing room at the leisure centre thanks to the generosity of leisure centre manager, Andy Gregg.”
The tapestry reflects ordinary and extraordinary life in Kendal, particularly for the clients of Manna House who worked on the piece or contributed their personal stories to it. It shows their memories, the mix of people who pass through the Stephenson Centre and some familiar Manna House faces.
Donna led the project and ran a series of workshops at Manna House for the charity’s clients, volunteers and staff.
She also set up community sewing sessions in the room next to Grayson’s tapestry during his Abbot Hall Gallery exhibition. The Lakeland Arts dementia group In the Moment also worked on the project.
Donna added: “People of all ages and genders and at different stages of health got involved in the sessions. During its creation, everyone felt comfortable sharing a lot of themselves. The tapestry is absolutely representative of real people from our South Lakes community.”
Donna was sent a handwritten note from Grayson, which said: “Dear Donna, What an amazing piece of work, so well crafted. I am proud to have inspired such a great tapestry. Keep up the good work, love Grayson Perry.”
It is signed off with a sketch of his famous teddy bear, Alan Measles.
Andrea Aldridge, Manna House chief officer added: “Manna House is a safe and supportive place for people to come together and the tapestry really captures the spirit of what we do here. We celebrate our community and offer a beacon of hope even in times of adversity.
“So we are thrilled that Grayson took the time to acknowledge this creative endeavour and recognise how special it is.”
