Following the fun response and success of our yarnbombing of Maidenhead in 2022, we challenged Michelle Johnson, our wonderful Crafty Outreach Coordinator, to come up with a project that could bring diverse groups and residents together to celebrate their home town.
Six months later, Michelle and her 'supporters' produced a beautiful mural comprising of 56 8"x8" squares (which have been made from knitting, crocheting, sewing, patchwork, collage, felting, beadwork, stencilling, die cutting, stamping and even a variety of mixed media).
The local landmarks, icons and people celebrated include:
1st row - Maidenhead Advertiser, toad crossing, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Clock Tower, Carter's Steam Fair, William Lassell, the Losenge, Alexander Devine
2nd row - Parkrun, Paralympian Sophie Christiansen's gold postbox, Ukrainians in Maidenhead, Maidenhead Drama Guild, Faiths of Maidenhead, Maidenhead Festival, Maidenhead Town Show
3rd row - Vanderwall Cars, Thames Hospice, Rowing Club, Horse Stairs, Duck Derby, Paddleboard Maidenhead, Swan-Upping
4th row - Boundary Walk, Good Gym, Braywick Nature Reserve, Craft Coop, Street Angels, market, Magpies (Maidenhead United) Football
5th row - Brunel's Sounding Bridge, Bray Studios, Nicholas Winton, Pinkney's Green Girl Guides, Cliveden, White Waltham, Nicholsons Brewery
6th row - St Luke's Christmas Tree Festival, Maidenhead Bridge, Sailing Club, Maidenhead Athletics Club, North Town Moor Fair, RBWM, Chinese New Year
7th row - Jeanette Chippington, Library, Brickworks/National Trust, Boy & the Boat Statue, The Bear Public House, Wind & the Willows, El Toucan café.
8th row - Lantern Parade (Norden Farm), Filling Good, The Thicket, 2023, Map, Jam Factory, Boulters Lock.
Our Artistic Director Teresa MIlls and Michelle had the honour in officially revealing the mural in Craft Coop Maidenhead on 15 June 2023, together with RBWM Mayor Neil Knowles, plus two of the main contributors (and now honorary Coopers!) Jackie Woolford and Sandra Street - in front of the makers and representatives from many of the squares celebrated.A great evening enjoying thanking all of the contributors - giving them a chance to mingle and enjoy each other's skills.
There is so much detail in the mural it really needs to be seen in person.The mural will be on display initially in the Nicholsons Centre, but also it is intended to be shown at Maidenhead Library, Maidenhead Heritage Centre and even in the Council Chamber.
Thank you so much everyone - we are really looking forward to the next project!