Remembrance in our cathedrals will mark the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ)
An evening dress made out of poppies, a new piece of art to commemorate all those who gave their lives from the African diaspora, a Roll of Honour projected onto cathedral walls, new tours that tell the stories of local heroes, and thousands upon thousands of poppies will fall silently from our towers in an act of contemplation and remembrance for all those lives lost.
Wells Cathedral is to host a four-metre tapestry designed to recognise the wartime contributions of Black British, Caribbean and African service personnel in this the 80th anniversary.
Remembrance at Wells Cathedral – Tapestry of Black Britons
The artwork is to go on display as part of a series of Remembrance events and services at the cathedral, marking the 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II.
A multi-participant project, woven by Bristol-based textile company, Dash and Miller, ‘Tapestry of Black Britons’ is designed to elevate Black British history, contribute to a more inclusive historical narrative and foster a deeper understanding of our collective past and present.
Artist, Paula Ogun Hector, who leads the project, said the work was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry and by African woven traditions.
“This evolving artwork not only celebrates the African diaspora contributions to British culture, politics and society, but is also designed to show that, out of many threads, we are one fabric.”
Tapestry of Black Britons is part of the season of Remembrance at Wells Cathedral to mark the 80th anniversary. Other Remembrance events include a Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on 1 November that will feature extracts from audio interviews from some of the veterans.
It is being organised by Somerset County Royal British Legion, who say it is likely to be one of the last occasions where veterans who took part in the war might attend.
It will feature performances by the Central Band of the Royal British Legion and the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir.
Other highlights will include parading the Somerset Book of Honour, the Act of Remembrance (with a poppy drop), and a multi-themed programme, tracing Somerset’s wartime experiences, from mobilisation to liberty and legacy.
Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq, who will be guest of honour at the service, added:
“We owe all these people an enormous debt of gratitude.
“We owe them the freedoms we enjoy today – and that is what this service is all about.”
The ‘Tapestry of Black Britons’ exhibition will be at Wells Cathedral from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 29 November.
