An exhibition of art textiles commemorating the First World War will go on display from May 6th in the Community Rooms at York Castle Museum as part of the 1914: When the World Changed Forever exhibition.

Threads of War: An Exhibition of Contemporary Textiles Inspired by the First World War is part of an ongoing project which was started in 2012 by the 1914-1918 Commemorative Quilts Group. The work represents personal and individual responses to the First World War, often inspired by family memories or objects.

Annie Parkinson from the Commemorative Quilts Group has been co-ordinating the exhibition with York Museums Trust staff. She said:

“For centuries tapestries, hangings and quilts have been used to celebrate or reflect important national events and we felt that this would be a respectful way to commemorate the First World War.

In late 2012 a few of us began working on a handful of quilts and felts for the project but this quickly expanded to include all fabric; whether knitted, woven, embroidered or felted.

This is an open project and everyone is welcome to create and exhibit textiles. We’d love more people to join us in showing – through textiles – what the First World War meant to them and possibly develop works based on what is happening in their area to commemorate World War One.”

A selection of the pieces will be on display as part of the Threads of War: An Exhibition of Contemporary Textiles Inspired by the First World War from May 6th- July 5th.

The 1914-18 Commemorative Quilt Group – exhibiting as Threads of War – are also at The Royal Armouries, Leeds, until 21st June 2015.

For more information visit: www.1914-18commemorativequilts.com