Watch our conversation with local artist Erin Ledsom was who commissioned by Hull City Council to create a piece of artwork recognising and honouring the vital contribution of frontline workers during the pandemic.
Erin is an embroidery artist from Hull and also a recent graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Needlework. Her colourful and textured work often draws inspiration from her hometown. She was Future Ferens Young and Emerging Talent winner at the 2021 Ferens Open Exhibition
Speaking of the exhibition, Erin Ledsom said:
How did you create the artwork?
“It’s hand embroidered, no machines involved. I’ve made it on my iPad, so I do a digital design and print onto fabric.”
What inspired you to create this piece of work?
“I really wanted to put across how thankful we are for all their hard work and all their hard efforts throughout the pandemic. People that would work on phones, or the laptops or computers.”
“They might have had to go out and do a job swap and walk someone’s dog or deliver food parcels.”
“We’ve also got the vaccination centre, the bin men, care workers – all different job roles and just thanking those who worked throughout the pandemic for the city.”
What techniques did you use?
“It’s all hand embroidered and there’s lots of different techniques and lots of different materials. The three crowns, they are all done with technique called gold work.”
“But we’ve also got pipe cleaners, straws, hair bobbles, pom-poms or things that will give texture and lots of bright colours, because I really wanted it to stand out and make people happy as well.”
How does it feel to have an exhibition in Ferens Art Gallery?
“I’m very grateful, I can’t believe that it’s happened. I only graduated last year so for me to get a commission by the City Council is just incredible, so yeah, I’m just really grateful.”
Click here to find out more about Erin Ledsom’s commissioned artwork.