1066 it’s Coming Home draws inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry, which documents the conquest of England from William the Conqueror in the 11th century. A full football kit has been embroidered with depictions of historic symbols, words and figures. The work considers the parallels between the national symbolism of football and the history of England through embroidery.
“I am an hand embroiderer that likes to retell tales from history. I consider myself both an artist and an ‘armchair’ historian; if I’m not making art I’m reading about history just to enrich my brain.
The way I find what inspires me is by taking stories from history that may be familiar to the average person, and retelling them vividly with colour, like a medieval monk. I take a lot of my inspiration from medieval manuscripts. I have always loved the way they capture life without being entirely realistic to form and proportions – it makes it easy to draw things without having to stick to reality!
I like to use all types of mediums when working, from chairs to pillows, to just regular charity shop finds. I just like embroidering on unconventional material. At the end of the day, embroidery or textile work is a way for me to tell the world about my fascinations of a certain subject without having to write. The viewer just has to use their eyes and imagination.”
