On Thursday 9th March, Wombourne Church Wives welcomed Barbara Marshal, who gave a talk accompanied by slides about ‘The Chadsmoor Tapestries’. It all began when representatives of all the groups that used Chadsmoor Methodist Church Hall invited Barbara to a meeting, with the intention of persuading her to help them design a tapestry to celebrate the church’s centenary. The end result was a 12ft x 6ft framed tapestry.
When the tapestry was completed, the group wanted to continue to make further tapestries for the pews, telling the story of ‘The Creation’, the designs including Ollie the Tactile Octopus (to interest children) and Two Hands to represent Adam and Eve (an idea taken from the Sistene Chapel). She described many other examples – but unfortunately too many to list them all individually here.
The whole project lasted ten years! The stunning tapestries are well worth a visit but you are advised to phonethe church before you go as it has to remain locked when not in use.
Karen Van Hoff has been invited to our next meeting on 23rd March to talk about ‘A Fashion Designer’s Journey’. Karen knits and embroiders with fine wire, gems and pearls to create unique fine couture jewellery. Her work has sold in shops and galleries from Shropshire to Hong Kong.
On 27th April our speaker is Peter Shelley and his topic will be ‘A handful of Straw’.
You are invited to come and join us.