The textile hanging conveys and reinforces the message on staying safe in Medway high streets as they reopen during coronavirus.
Nicola Flower was ‘virtual artist in residence’ at Swingate Primary School, Lordswood. She sent the pupils videos from her studio about the public commission and being an artist. She asked the pupils for their ideas on shopping safely during the pandemic and they sent drawings and writing for the textile hanging.
The textile shows the school logo of squirrels and trees in a woodland scene. The squirrels and hedgehogs are shopping safely, wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands.
There are also signs reminding us to be kind and respectful with arrows leading through the trees to a sunny 'glimmer of hope’.
The work is hand sewn, using recycled materials and pupils drawings printed on fabric.
A big thank you to the staff and pupils at Swingate Primary School and the Medway shops that have kindly agreed to exhibit the hanging.
The hanging is exhibited at Sandy’s Hardware in Lordswood, Lordswood DIY from Wednesday 7 April 2021 and then at Walderslade Road and Sherwood House in April and May 2021.
