NOTTINGHAM LACE
♦ BATTLE OF BRITAIN CURTAIN DISPLAY IN CITY TO-DAY The lacemakers of Nottingham have lost none of their skill in their ancientcraft during years of producing surgical netting, mosquito and camouflage meshes for war-time uses. This is clearly shown by their latest achievement, the weaving of an -historic panel depicting the Battle of Britain, which will be on display at the D.I.C. and Ballantyne’s to-day. The panel, which measures 65 inches by five yards in length, is an exact replica of scenes witnessed during the bombing of London. It has been woven “to commemorate that glorious epic in our history and as a tribute to those who so gallantly saved our island.” It took two years and a half to produce.
Because of the shortage of yarn only six curtains have been made. Two of these are in New Zealand, one has been presented to the Lord Mayor and Council of the City of Nottingham and placed in the Nottingham Castle museum, one was made for King George VI and another for Mr Churchill. It is hoped to make more Tor exhibition and as gifts to museums. None will be sold.
In addition to Mr Churchill’s tribute to the Royal Air Force is a design of St. Paul’s Cathedral, depicted as standing amid the flames of burning London while fighters and bombers battle overhead. Every type of plane used at that time has been authentically reproduced, while the introduction of a cottage and a castle into the decorative scene is symbolic of the suffering shared by poor and rich alike. The centre panel is flanked by scenes of historic London churches after burning. Among them is a window of Bow street churcn, through which the tower of St. Paul’s can be faintly seen. Finely-worked badges of the Allied air forces are at the top, and the surrounding border is exquisitely worked with a design of wheat ears interwoven with the floral emblems of Great Britain. The panel, which was designed by Harry Cross, left London about two weeks ago and’ was sent direct by air to Wellington.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25321, 22 October 1947, Page 2
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348NOTTINGHAM LACE Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25321, 22 October 1947, Page 2
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