Feltmaker Connie Flynn has led 25 Norfolk women who have contributed to a touring protest banner that demands an end to violence against women. She has worked with Norfolk Library and Information Service to create the banner, which was officially unveiled at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library on 25 November. This coincided with White Ribbon Day, the campaign to end male violence against women. The project, called Stitching Our Stories, comes after reports of increased domestic abuse and street harassment during the COVID pandemic.
The Stitching Our Stories banner consists of flowers and candles. These symbolise items brought and left at vigils. Due to the size 130cms wide and 170cms high, it was mainly hand stitched. Connie decided due to time and the tight turn around to use industrial felt fabric which she has enjoyed.
The banner launch event was well attended. We had the Sherriff of Norwich, a local Councillor plus supporting organisations and many of the women who took part in the project. Connie spoke publicly about the project and the making of the banner. The feedback by the project participants has been very honest and positive. An interesting project to be part of for all involved.
The banner is now touring to spread the message further. It is booked up until April 2022 so far, including Norfolk Libraries, St Martins at Palace Church in Norwich, Castle Museum, a Norwich Rising event and Norfolk Makers Festival in March. Please see the link for more details.
Stitching Our Stories – Norfolk Heritage Centre (wordpress.com)
As part of the Norfolk Makers Festival, Connie will be showing some of her own hand-stitched textile work based on an artist residency in a lighthouse in Shetland. She will also be offering a free textile activity.
More information about Connie Flynn can be found in the Members Gallery on the IFA website.
Article by Connie Flynn. Region 7, UK.