Embroidery artist to honour ‘heroic’ workers of the pandemic

NEW COMMISSION: Erin Ledsom

An embroidery artist is to create a piece of artwork recognising the “incredible” efforts of frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Erin Ledsom, an embroidery artist from Hull and a recent graduate of the Royal College of Needlework, has been commissioned by Hull City Council to produce the piece, which will be displayed in the Guildhall.

She will also take part in a wider programme of activity that will include three community stitching sessions and a film capturing the creation process.

Erin said: “I feel honoured that I have been chosen to work on this commission. I can’t wait to get started on the project, which will pay credit to all the workers for their incredible efforts during the pandemic.”

Erin’s colourful and textured work often draws inspiration from her home town.

She was a Future Ferens Young and Emerging Talent winner in the city’s 2021 Ferens Open Exhibition.

City council leader Daren Hale said: “Our frontline workers have kept our city moving during the pandemic, often when it was threatening to grind to a halt.

“They have bravely and relentlessly supported our communities when they were needed the most; they are the real heroes of the past two years.

“I’m delighted that Erin, such a talented young artist whose pride for her city oozes through her artwork, has been asked to produce this important piece, which will serve as lasting recognition of the incredible efforts of our staff and frontline workers.”

Erin works intuitively, creating marks and shapes to form vibrant backgrounds for the motifs she creates.

She uses hand embroidery skills to bring the illustrations to life, using unconventional materials and using hand embroidery techniques.

These materials include straws, scubis (plastic string), pipe cleaners, hair bobbles and pom-poms to add texture and 3D elements, alongside the use of 3D beading techniques, goldwork, crewelwork and raised work techniques.

The commission is being supported by the Rupert Alec-Smith Trust Fund. Alec-Smith was an Alderman of the council and left a trust fund for funding new art works or the acquisition of older pieces relevant to the city.