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INTRODUCTION
Guernsey is the
second largest of the Channel Islands, a property of the British
Crown, located in the English Channel off the coast of France.
The other Islands which make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey are:
Alderney; Sark; Herm; Brecqhou and Jethou.
The Bailiwick of
Guernsey Tapestry was the Islands' Millennium project and tells
the story of 1000 years of local history in ten panels of
embroidered canvas work. It is in the capital, St Peter Port,
housed in a purpose built Gallery in the Dorey Centre, next to
St James the Less, a 19th Century Church now used as a Concert
and Assembly Hall.
The idea of a
tapestry to celebrate the Millennium evolved from a suggestion
at a public meeting in 1995. It was intended to be a lasting
reminder of the Millennium celebrations and a project that could
involve the whole community. It would also act as a learning
vehicle for future generations of Islanders and visitors,
encouraging people to look more deeply into the Islands' rich
history.
Each Panel covers
one century and illustrates the major events and important
traditions that have shaped the Island and Islanders alike. They
were worked by residents of the Bailiwick and each one bears the
crest of the Parish that stitched it.
The Tapestry is
on display in a purpose built gallery. The exhibition begins
with an explanation of how the Tapestry was designed and
created. The ten Panels are on display in a darkened room with
each Panel in its own individually lit case. There is an audio
guide explaining the history depicted in the Tapestry, this is
included in the entrance fee and is available in English, French
or German. Many of the stitchers now act as volunteers at the
Guernsey Tapestry, and enjoy talking to visitors about their
experiences making the Tapestry.
The Guernsey
Tapestry is an independent museum, run by The Millennium
Tapestry Trust and relies entirely on the income from entrance
fees, sales and the support of the local community. The making
of the Tapestry and the setting up of this Gallery were funded
through the generosity of the local community, including many
businesses, and that support is still needed to contribute to
the preservation and availability of the Tapestries into the
next Millennium.
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