A four-seasons snapshot of Broads countryside and wildlife created by skilled crafters has been unveiled at a Norfolk environmental study centre.
The giant textile picture at How Hill, near Ludham, features fields, flowers, animals and insects in spring, summer, autumn and winter, in a celebration of the coronation of King Charles.
It is the result of hundreds of hours work by the Norfolk Countryside Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, who are regular visitors to How Hill.
Spokeswoman Phyll Eales said: “We set ourselves a challenge for the coronation which reflected the King’s interest in the countryside and conservation.
“We are absolutely thrilled it has found an appropriate home rather than being folded up and put away.”
The original design was drafted by Ros Wilson, chairman of the 50-strong group. Members worked at home to create the elements of the wall hanging, and put it together at their meetings.
The techniques involved include woven field crops, felted trees, a knitted church tower, crocheted and macrame snowflakes, and a backdrop using mostly natural dyes including walnuts, onions skins and dahlia petals.
One of the main makers Jane West added that they send a coronation card to the King letting him know about their project and received a thank your card from Charles and Camilla in reply.
The 8ft by 5ft artwork, called A King for All Seasons, includes a swallowtail butterfly, bittern, dragonfly, swallows, barn owl, squirrel and hedgehog and hare. It hangs in a downstairs lobby at How Hill, where it will be seen by children and adult visitors.
How Hill director Simon Partridge said: “We are really delighted to receive and display the wall hanging which shows off the Guild’s skills and celebrates our local environment which is at the core of the centre and our education work. It is brilliant, and every time you look at it you see something new.”
The Guild is 45 years old and holds its regular meetings at Ludham, Smallburgh and East Ruston. For more details visit the national website of the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers or email norfolkcountryside@mail.com
Groups interesting in booking visits, days or residential stays at How Hill should email secretary@howhilltrust.org.uk or call 01692 678555
