This programme was developped as a response to the full scale invasion of Ukraine.

The first tapestry officially started in May 2022. This was initially intended as participatory needlework for local Ukrainian women, including those arriving under the ‘Home for Ukraine’ scheme. The project, however, quickly became a global collaboration with refugees stitching smaller parts across Europe. Further tapestries followed when visitors from Uckfield and Canterbury joined the group. To bring people together and help the integration of new arrivals within the community, the group hosted open events and embroidery workshops for all ages and abilities. In total five tapestries were started in different locations. Every tapestry is unique and tailored to each stitching group. 

The main tapestry, “Blue Cornflowers” is a large-scale cross stitch embroidery reproduction (2m x 3m) of a painting by the celebrated Ukrainian folk artist Maria Prymachenko. This is an ongoing participatory installation which anyone is invited to join. Sessions take place on Mondays at Baking Ideas kitchen in Tolworth 11AM - 2PM and on Thursdays at the Rose Cafe (term time only). Please visit the Rose Theatre's website for more details.

The four smaller tapestries were based on artworks made by two very talented Ukrainian refugee girls on the autism spectrum, Sasha & Masha, who inspired the group to start raising funds for families with additional needs displaced by the war.  

“Masha’s Blue Flowers” 2022 – Leszno refugees’ tapestry from Poland – completed.

“Masha’s and Natasha’s Flowers” 2023 – Uckfield refugees’ tapestry – final stage.

“Masha’s and Natasha’s Flowers  2023 – Canterbury refugees’ tapestry – final stage.

“Sasha’s Yellow Sunflowers” 2023 – tapestry mosaic by the Sunray Community residents and Knollmead Primary School children including pupils from Emerald Specialist Resourced Provision for children with social communication needs and autism – completed.