Jersey's Seven-Metre Norman Tapestry Unites Volunteers and Schoolchildren in Medieval Craft
The project, launched by Jersey Heritage for the '2027 Year of the Normans', will see a new tapestry go on display at Jersey Museum, telling stories from the island's Norman past.
Jersey Heritage outreach curator Melissa Rodrigues said: "This is first and foremost a community project and we hope it brings together people from across Jersey to connect with our medieval history.
"The time of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 was significant for Jersey and this project is a wonderful way to engage with the forthcoming celebrations to mark the 1,000th birthday of William the Conqueror.
"Any level of stitching skill is welcome, from those who are accomplished to people who have never stitched before but would like to learn something new."
The original Bayeux Tapestry in France, created in the 11th century, is 70 metres long and tells the story of William's conquest of England.
Jersey's version will span more than seven metres and be made up of nine panels, each measuring 61cm by 80cm, designed to replicate the original style using wool and linen.
Islanders taking part will learn medieval stitching techniques before helping to complete the panels.
Primary schoolchildren will design mythical creatures for the borders, which will then be stitched by secondary-school pupils.
The designs were researched and drawn by Jersey Heritage's head of programmes, Vic Tanner Davy, with support from historian Jean Treleven, before being brought to life and coloured by local artist Jo Preston.
A key focus of the Jersey tapestry will be the role of women in medieval history, including figures such as Emma of Normandy and Eleanor and Margaret of Provence, alongside the lives of ordinary island women between the years 933 and 1259.
Mr Tanner Davy said: "While researching the Bayeux Tapestry, we discovered that it features only three women in the whole 70 metres.
"We hope our Jersey version will strengthen our understanding of the role played by women in Jersey's medieval heritage while also sharing the significance to the island of the events of 1066."
The two-year project is already under way, with volunteers beginning to learn the traditional stitches needed to complete the work.
Two expert embroiderers from Bayeux are also due to visit the island in April to demonstrate techniques and share their expertise.
Further details about community workshops are due to be announced in the coming months.
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