She’s finally ready

The SWAP banner is complete. Last night I went to collect it from Lou Miller, the talented banner maker who has been piecing this epic 3m x 2m piece together - in a small flat. She’s done a fabulous job and the banner is a beauty. I can’t wait to take it to SWAP in a few weeks to show the women in person. Then starts the conversation about how to exhibit it. It’s beautiful - so much better than I could ever have envisioned at the start of this process. At the beginning of the commission I couldn’t have imagined the output would be a textile piece so I’m really pleased to have followed the collaborative process and the group’s interests in this way.

The idea of making a banner was inspired by the horrible racist riots which took place following the Southport murders last summer. SWAP was one of a number of organisations which appeared on a list of intended far right targets which did the rounds on social media that week. Nothing much came out of it but it was quite an unnerving time for the people who use their services. I wanted to respond in some way but it had to be gentle and unassuming and I couldn’t impose my own views onto the group. And here we are…