Residents from Saddleworth have teamed up with crafters across the South Pennines to create a stunning piece of art which captures the true fabric of the area.
The ‘Textile Tale’ project, commissioned by rural regeneration agency Pennine Prospects for its ‘local distinctiveness’ campaign, saw artists contribute to the colourful fabric artwork, which is almost two metres wide.
Heather strewn hills and moorland, millstone grit, chimney stacks and a twite are among the characteristic features and local scenes depicted in the work, which took more than six weeks to make.
A variety of techniques were used to create the piece, including embroidery, felting, knitting, wax batik, silk painting and crochet.
Saddleworth’s contribution was co-ordinated by professional artist Val Hughes, who led two days of workshops at Woolyknits in Diggle to create the Pennine landscape and farmland panorama, using a felting technique involving natural wool fibres.
Val said: “This was a fantastic project which I really enjoyed being involved with.
“Wool and the felting technique seemed especially appropriate given the history of the area regarding the woolen trade, sheep farming and the image we were recreating.
“Local people with an interest in crafting and the versatility of wool were invited to participate and readily set to work.
“Their enthusiasm and anticipation for the project reflected in the wonderful outcome.
My passion and love of the landscape, the area we live and my specialism in all things ‘felty’ made for a thrilling two days.
“It was fun, productive and extremely rewarding for all concerned, myself included.”
The piece will go on a tour of the region in 2014, with venues in the process of being confirmed.
Pennine Prospects commissioned the work as part of its ‘local distinctiveness’ project which aims to raise awareness of the unique characteristics of the South Pennines’ landscape, people and places.
Rebecca Yorke from the South Pennines Local Distinctiveness Project said: “Val and all the Saddleworth volunteers have done an amazing job. The final piece is stunning.
“We’re now looking forward to displaying the artwork in Saddleworth and taking it on a tour of neighbouring areas so visitors and communities can draw pride and inspiration from it and celebrate the creativity the area has to offer.”
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