Melton Mowbray Felt Wall Hangings

The project began with the creation of a set of photographs taken in and around Melton Mowbray and the three Sure Start Centres, The Edge, Fairmead and The Cove to act as inspiration for the imagery in the hangings. Further consultation with staff and participants lead to the creation of a master drawing to inspire felted pieces. The central themes were the kind of help and support offered to young families by the Sure Start Centres, the 2012 Olympics, The Torch Relay and the Queen’s Jubilee.

As each centre has different types of space, I decided to create a set of hangings, which took the issue of space into account. The hangings have been designed in such a way that they can fit almost any available space in an easily changed combination. The design has been inspired by, and takes the format of, the baby blanket, an everyday item and a potent symbol of comfort, warmth and love. Each set has a large central panel – the style is loose and reminiscent of a pastel sketch or a child’s drawing. 

Participants have learnt how to create images using a wet felting technique which is very old and very connected to home and family – Mongolian yurts have been made for centuries in this way, creating portable homes that are warm, sturdy and weather proof. Wool and felt have played a huge part in Britain’s history and it has been good to take a traditional technique and give it a contemporary use. 

Many thanks to Louise Callaghan, Jess Laws, Shantel Gibbons who created many of the pieces and helped to make this project a success!

Imagery on the Central Panels:-

The Edge – Mother and child walking with baby in pushchair

Fairmead – Two toddlers playing outdoors – bunting in the background

The Cove – Mother and baby reading in the garden – trees and bunting in the background

Key to smaller blankets

Union Jack for Team GB and the Jubilee

Olympic Torch to commemorate the Torch Relay coming through Melton

Crowns – the Jubilee

Cake with candle & number 60 - the Jubilee

Swimmer – 2012 Olympics

Gold medal -  2012 Olympics

ABC – support & encouragement of reading at Sure Start Centres

123 - support & encouragement of numeracy at Sure Start Centres

Hearts – caring, family, community

Flowers – nature, countryside, fresh air, breathing spaces

Play – celebrating Stay & Play sessions at Sure Start Centres and highlighting the importance of play in a child’s development

Hand and Heart – family, support, community, love, care, working together

Fruit – Healthy eating

There are also two sets of bunting created for The Edge, which can be used in any celebratory context.

Project work hand over with Clive Breedon and Kate Parkinson representing Melton Borough Council and the Sure Start Centres