Hundreds create a tapestry for town (From The Oxford Times)

Hundreds create a tapestry for town

6:00pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in News By Ben Wilkinson

Larkmead pupils with the tapestry

A tapestry woven with the help of hundreds of Abingdon hands is to be hung with pride in the town.

The Abingdon Tapestry was made over a two-week tour of the town.

A loom was taken to schools, a care home and the Market Place, giving as many residents as possible the chance to weave a thread.

Year Nine pupils at Larkmead School created the project and the artwork of the River Thames and Abingdon Bridge was made during Abingdon Arts Festival last March.

The school was helped by artists Helen Jacobs and Emily Cooling, and the Oxfordshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.

Andrea Phillips, Larkmead’s head of visual and performing arts, said: “We had everybody from every walk of life and age group participating.

“Larkmead is very much a community school and it was about reaching out to different parts of the community.”

Student James Lear, 15, said: “It is nice to have something that everyone in the town was involved with.”

Deputy town clerk Sandra Hill said the tapestry would end up on display either in the Guildhall or the County Hall Museum. She said: “We would like to give it pride of place because that is what it deserves.”

Pupils presented the tapestry to the mayor of Abingdon Mike Badcock last month. He said: “I am delighted to accept the Abingdon Tapestry, which is absolutely stunning and something that the community of Abingdon can be proud of for years to come.

“I am sure that the experience has been rewarding and inspiring for all those who took part.”

Student, Leah Rutty, 14, said: “I am really shocked at how good it is. It will be interesting for people to look at in the future.”

Charlie Clements, 15, said: “It is really nice for the town to have something unique made by so many students of all different ages.”