The By You Tapestry Exhibition

Remembering our shared history of the coronavirus pandemic

The Schools & Communities Space, Tower of London
(formerly The Welcome Centre)

14th June - 31st August 2024

In April 2020, as the world faced isolation from the pandemic lockdowns, we called upon makers from across the world to embroider and send us scenes showing their lockdown experiences.

We received over 275 textile pieces contributed by 190 people and with generous support from Arts Council England, we pieced these sections together to make a final 26-metre-long tapestry that will be shown at the Schools & Communities Space at the Tower of London.

Sewn in many parts by hand, we took these contributions and completed the tapestry in partnership with various community groups and artists that we work with across Tower Hamlets in East London. The By You Tapestry tells the story of daily life during the pandemic. Some scenes you may recognise, from panic buying toilet roll to the vaccination roll out. Other scenes share the maker’s personal stories and experiences, from as far as Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, France and Germany, and across the UK.

We believe that these stories will powerfully resonate with visitors and provide a point of vital reflection at a time when we are collectively experiencing many other hardships. Some of that pandemic trauma to this day remains unprocessed as we have moved seemingly from one crisis to another, a point we have seen time and again in other charity project work we do across London.

“Stitching has not only passed the time but has brought me calm and purpose. This project appealed to me because it provided an opportunity to indulge my love of making small scenes and also gave me the chance to express what I’ve been doing during lockdown.”  - Tapestry Contributor

Opening: 14th June - 31st August 2024

Venue: Schools & Communities Space (formerly The Welcome Centre), on Tower Hill, Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB

Opening times:

Thursday's and Friday's 13:00 - 17:00 Saturday’s 10:00 - 16:00

Free entry, and entry to the Tower of London isn’t required.

Details about getting to the venue can be found here.

The exhibition space is on Tower Hill outside of the Tower of London, opposite the entrance.

If you need get in contact, e.g. if you’re planning on bringing a group, please do so here.

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Supported by:

Summer Workshop Programme

Join us at the Tower of London for a day out exploring The By You Tapestry Exhibition and a creative workshop. Choose from an embroidery workshop or a family craft workshop inspired by the piece.

These days out will offer the chance to see the amazing By You Tapestry hosted at the Tower of London, take part in an embroidery craft workshop with our Stitches in Time team and have the chance to explore the Tower of London!

General entry tickets to the Tower will be available either after the morning sessions, or can be picked up from 10am on the day for an afternoon session. Further details on entry and how to access the workshops will be provided the week before your booked session.

Saturday 3rd August - Embroidery workshop (free)
Morning session 10:00 - 12:00 ticket link here
Afternoon session 14:00 - 16:00 ticket link here

This session is recommended for ages 12 and above, under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.

Thursday 15th August - Family craft and embroidery workshop (free)
Morning session 10:00 - 12:00 ticket form here
Afternoon session 14:00 - 16:00 ticket form here

These sessions are for all ages, please note children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop. Assigned on a first come, first served basis

Friday 16th August - Family craft and embroidery workshop (free)
Morning session 10:00 - 12:00 ticket form here
Afternoon session 14:00 - 16:00 ticket form here

These sessions are for all ages, please note children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop. Assigned on a first come, first served basis.

If you have any additional queries about these events, please contact us here