On the weekend of 30 April/1 May, ten panels of the developing Romney Marsh Tapestry went on display courtesy of the Fifth Continent Landscape Partnership Scheme. The Fifth Continent have kindly contributed to this IMOS Foundation project.
Exhibition at the Assembly Rooms, New Romney
The Tapestry depicts the Romney Marsh area during the period 700 CE, when it was first mentioned in writing, to the Millennium of 2000 CE. It follows the broad events of our history and tries to capture the unique qualities of this special area.
It was designed and is being embroidered by local people – almost all women. Prominent among them: Margaret Mace, Victoria Fontaine Wolf, Jenni Gurner, Briony Kapoor, Charlotte Watkinson, Dee Taylor, Sue Owens, Nicki Jones and Helen Sanderson.
What the Marsh means to its community
To its own population the Marsh is important for many reasons. For agriculture, seafaring and trade, for mystery and dreams, for enduring through time the vicissitudes of poverty and ill health, for its strange landscape and for a certain isolation and independence. All these concepts have contributed to our design.
First thoughts
The first discussions and ideas considered the size of the work, the materials that could be used, the events that might be depicted, the sewing styles that could be included and how the work could be made accessible to any who wanted to take part. Where could it be produced and displayed? What research would be needed? The likely cost and the question of fundraising?
See what has been achieved
Now nearing completion, after five years of work, we are proud of how far it has come and are glad to have the chance offered by the Fifth Continent Landscape Partnership Scheme to show the progress made to visitors at this exhibition.
On show again the weekend 18/19 June 2022 at the Village Hall in Ivychurch 10am to 4pm
For further information or to join in with the work, please contact:
The IMOS Foundation
01797 363099
enquiries@ros-ryter
