News of plans for a Covid tapestry came as something of a shock (Bereaved families withdraw support for UK Covid tapestry, 22 May). During lockdown in February 2021, I decided to set about making a “Bayeux tapestry for the Covid pandemic”. I had read of Mary, Queen of Scots, making tapestry during her years of incarceration: stitching felt like an appropriate response to lockdown.
On social media I explained the project, now named The Covid Chronicle, to textile artists around the world. One hundred and forty textile artists from across the globe made panels. Each panel, following a defined template, tells the individual lived experience of each artist, using a multitude of techniques.
The result was a giant installation measuring 36 x 1 metres – coincidentally, almost matching the scale of its historic inspiration. In 2022, it went on a highly successful tour of galleries across England and Wales. We know people have found the work inspiring and deeply moving.
We are delighted that the work will soon be on permanent exhibition at Chelsea and Westminster hospital. Donating the work to an NHS hospital feels appropriate, as the work celebrates the heroic dedication of NHS staff across the pandemic and beyond.
I told the Commission on Covid Commemoration about The Covid Chronicle but heard nothing back. An opportunity is being missed to build on an existing profound work – freely produced by artists donating their work and at no cost to the public purse.
I await with great interest to see what form the Covid tapestry takes and hope that it proves to be as powerful a memorial as its precursor.
Wendy Bliss
Founder, The Covid Chronicle
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