A creative exhibition of hand-crafted texiles, inspired by historic devotional cushions found at a former church will take place in Great Yarmouth from today to Sunday.
Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust acquired St John's Church last year and is progressing plans to bring the landmark back into community use. While external funding is sought and plans developed, the charity is running a series of activities and exhibitions to keep the grade II-listed building in the public eye.
Over recent months, thanks to a £6,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the trust has been working with the community on a project based around the lovingly hand-stitched kneeler cushions, which were made by the former congregation to kneel on in prayer and left in the church when it is closed.
With guidance from textile artists Carol Desborough and Genevieve Rudd, local people have met for textile workshops to create a community textile collage and several artistic textile panels that reflect on local heritage and culture.
The project has also seen volunteers trained to conserve more than 100 of the historic cushions, in addition to producing their own new ones.
All of the colourful and unique creations, both old and new, will feature in Sewn by the Sea, an exhibition at the church which will coincide with the Heritage Open Days initiative.
The exhibition will run from 10am to 4pm on September 7 and 8, and again from 11am to 3pm on September 9 and 10. Admission is free of charge.
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