Guildford’s Pandemic Memories Captured in Textile Display

Published on: 11 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 12 Nov, 2024

Embroidered panels made by local people to remember the Covid 19 pandemic are on display at Guildford Museum.

Guildford’s Quilt: Your Stories Stitched into History was assembled by embroidery group Stitch Together. It provides a moving record of residents’ thoughts and feelings, and the support they received at the height of the pandemic.

Cllr Catherine Houston, lead councillor for Commercial Services, explains: “As lockdown restrictions began to ease, we invited local people to design and embroider panels to record their memories of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to capture the acts of kindness that helped them through such a difficult time.

“Residents of all ages took part, including children from St Nicolas’ Church of England Infant School and local people who are supported by Surrey Choices. This helped us to collect an important and inclusive record of the experience our community shared. The panels illustrate how people helped each other and the hopes they held for a brighter future.

“Thanks to the work of Stitch Together, the panels became a beautiful quilt, which can now be seen by the whole community. It will also become part of the Museum’s textile collection, helping us to preserve these important memories.”

Jackie Doe, Senior Operations Manager at Surrey Choices, said: “It was a privilege for Surrey Choices to contribute to Guildford’s Quilt and we’re incredibly proud of the creativity and resilience shown by our customers.

Participating in this project allowed them to express their unique experiences of the pandemic and to share how they leaned on their communities during those challenging times.

“This quilt is a beautiful reminder of the importance of connection and support, and we’re thrilled that it will now be a lasting part of Guildford’s history.”

You can view Guildford’s Quilt at Guildford Museum until Saturday 15 March. Entry is free. You can find more information on Museum opening times, exhibitions and events on our website.