A new embroidered banner created by women from communities across Rochdale is set to go on public display after months of collaborative work celebrating the borough’s history and identity.
Unity Is Strength will be displayed at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum throughout June before appearing at Darnhill Festival in July.
The banner has been developed through a series of embroidery workshops led by Cartwheel Arts, bringing together women from different backgrounds and communities since January to create a shared piece of artwork reflecting Rochdale’s heritage and values.
Inspired by decorative features inside Rochdale Town Hall, the banner includes symbols connected to the borough’s history including bees and beehives representing industry, alongside a martlet, a mythical bird associated with resilience.
The martlet also features Mayoral chains and was embroidered by Rochdale Mayor Councillor Janet Emsley during visits to the workshops.
The design also includes references to Rochdale’s industrial history through an embroidered cotton flower, recognising the borough’s textile heritage and the support shown by local mill workers to enslaved people in America.
Alongside local symbolism, the project also celebrates the cultures and experiences of those who created it. Motifs featured on the banner include the Red Rose of Lancashire, Romany Gypsy Vardo roses, Afghan pomegranates, Jamaica’s ackee fruit and sugar canes inspired by Barbados.
Gold stitching across the artwork also reflects historic banners created by members of the Co operative Women’s Guild.
The banner was unveiled at Rochdale Town Hall in April by group member Zulfar.
She said, “I dedicate this banner to Rochdale. This project has been grounding and energising for me. We shared love and friendship, and patience while learning new skills.”
She added, “I chose to embroider a pomegranate, which in my culture symbolises abundance and happiness. For me, the banner also reflects a wish for peace for people all over the world.”
Participants also reflected on the friendships formed during the project, with one member saying, “The act of sewing together transcends language and cultural barriers, uniting us all, showing that with all our human differences, we are way more connected than divided.”
The project was delivered in partnership with University of Manchester, Heritage Crafts UK and the Arts and Humanities Research Council through its Creative Communities programme.
John Mcauliffe said, “Unity Is Strength was a revelatory experience. The community of women who have been working with Cartwheel Arts changed my understanding of Rochdale.”
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