Norland Grenfell Memorial Quilt panel to be unveiled in Bath
1 February 2025
Norland’s panel of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt will be publicly displayed at the Bath Central Library and Bath Abbey in February and March 2025.
In July 2023, Norland sewing lecturers Kate Jaeger and Jo Price began the process of creating a 12x12ft panel as part of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt project. The Norland panel will join other panels from community groups around the country to create a quilt measuring 220x72ft as a commemoration of the Grenfell tower tragedy.
The Grenfell Tower Memorial Quilt is an international project created by ‘artivist’ Tuesday Greenidge. With close personal connections to the tower, Tuesday embarked on the project to memorialise the 72 people who tragically died in the fire in June 2017.
The project aims to commemorate those lives lost and raise awareness by creating and prominently displaying a quilt the height of the Grenfell Tower to mark the 10-year anniversary of the tragedy in 2027.
To take part in the project, and include the local community in our efforts, the Norland Sewing Bee was launched at Bath Central Library in September 2023. Members of the public joined Norland students and sewing lecturers Kate and Jo to work together on the quilt. The group began meeting weekly to stitch, share stories and create something meaningful together.
The panel took a year to complete, and is made up of 5 sections totalling 72, 2.5-inch strips of donated fabric. The central panel in Norland’s signature brown, features our founding motto ‘Love Never Faileth’. Surrounding the motto; a heart of Speedwell flowers, a flower closely connected to Norland’s key values of care and loyalty, as well as handprints from students.
Along the top panel, are hand-shaped appliqués of each makers’ hand, featuring stitchwork and their name or initial. An owl, and her owlets – which are featured on the Norland coat of arms – complete the design. The lower edge pays tribute to the city of Bath with landmarks from the West Country. Hearts, stars and hot air balloons personalised by Norland staff and members of the public contain messages reflecting on the Grenfell tragedy.
Kate Jaeger, Norland Sewing Lecturer and Charity and Communities Engagement Manager, said:
“This project, which will honour and remember those who lost their lives, highlights the importance of community participation and Norland’s role in working with the wider community on this memorial project.
“The quilt is an embodiment of compassion and community spirit in light of this tragic event. Norland are proud to have been able to participate in the Grenfell Tower Memorial Quilt project, uniting as a local community and joining others in a presentation of the healing power of creativity.”
The Norland Grenfell Tower Memorial Quilt panel will be publicly displayed at the Bath Central Library (1–27 February) and in Bath Abbey (1–27 March).
