A major new community artwork celebrating the people, places and stories of Ashbourne will be unveiled this May, highlighting the town's growing reputation as a hub for creativity and collaboration.
Stitching Ashbourne: A Collaborative Masterpiece
Stitching Ashbourne, a large-scale textile installation created by over 200 local participants, will be revealed on Saturday, May 16 at Trinity Hall, The Link Centre. The project has been led by local community arts practitioner, textile artist and public historian Laura Burrill, whose work specialises in large-scale participatory textile projects that bring communities together through storytelling and making.
Over the past months, Laura has worked with residents of all ages across 24 workshops, inviting them to explore what Ashbourne means to them, sharing memories, local knowledge and personal reflections through stitch.
The result is a vibrant, richly layered artwork combining a central panel of much-loved landmarks including St Oswald's Church, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and the Gingerbread Café, with 174 individually crafted textile squares capturing everyday stories and moments of connection.
A Creative Space for Connection
Laura said: "My work is all about creating space for people to come together, share their stories and feel part of something bigger. Stitching Ashbourne has been a powerful example of that, people from across Ashbourne and surrounding villages contributing their voices, their memories and their creativity.
"Projects like this show how textile making can become a way of documenting lived experience and strengthening a sense of belonging. It's been incredibly special to see that happen here in Ashbourne."
Developed in response to a period of change and renovation in the town, the project has provided a creative space for connection and reflection, bringing together schools, community groups, local organisations and businesses. Workshops have been hosted in a wide range of venues including cafés, pubs, churches, libraries and community spaces, making the project accessible and inclusive, while encouraging new conversations and connections.
Community Collaboration
Supported by organisations including Ashbourne Methodist Church, St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne Town Council, Ashbourne Arts and Ashbourne Rotary Club, the project reflects a strong spirit of collaboration across the town.
As well as showcasing the finished artwork, the unveiling event will feature stories and insights from the project, a special moment involving local young people and an opportunity for visitors to explore the piece up close.
Following its debut, the artwork will tour venues across Ashbourne, including schools, churches, libraries and community spaces.
Laura hopes the project will demonstrate the wider potential of community-led creative work: "This kind of collaborative making can have a real impact, not just in creating something beautiful, but in building confidence, connection and pride in place. It's something I'd love to see happening in more towns and communities."
Event Details
Stitching Ashbourne Unveiling Event
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: Doors open at 2:30pm
Location: Trinity Hall, The Link Centre, Ashbourne Methodist Church
Tickets: £5 per adult, Under 16s free (ticket required). Includes refreshments and a printed booklet about the project.
Advance booking is recommended as capacity is limited. Visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/youre-invited-stitching-ashbourne-community-exhibition-unveiling-tickets-1987300427074
Location: Ashbourne in Derbyshire
