Stitching Herstory: Embroidered Portraits of Women Pioneers

I sit by the window, the gentle sunlight streaming in, my hands diligently thread the needle, weaving vibrant threads through the canvas. Each stitch, each colour, holds a story—a story of resilience, empowerment, and unyielding spirit. This isn't just a hobby or an art form for me; it's a passion project that marries my love for history and the intricate art of hand embroidery. Welcome to "Stitching Herstory," where I'm breathing life into the forgotten narratives of remarkable women, both from Nottingham, UK and around the globe.

I moved to Nottingham in 2020 from the country of Georgia. I’ve been passionate about women’s rights my whole adult life and when I moved to Nottingham, I thought one of the ways of me connecting with my new home, was to research women who have shaped Nottingham by their hard work and activism, by women who defied norms and forged new paths. I found that this city has seen its fair share of inspiring women who championed causes like women's rights, social justice, and women's political participation. However, as time swept on, many of these pioneers faded from collective memory. It's this fading of extraordinary stories that fuelled my determination to preserve their legacies and thus, connect with this city that now I call home.

Embroidery, to me, is more than just a craft; it's a medium through which I can weave together the threads of history and art. My passion for history and the delicate art of embroidery might seem like an unusual pair, but in "Stitching Herstory," they find harmony. The journey begins with meticulous research, unearthing hidden gems of history. With every portrait, I dive into the lives of these women, understanding their struggles, triumphs, and the ripples they created in society.

The selection process is a heart-warming challenge. I seek out women whose causes resonate with my heart—women who fought for equality, shattered glass ceilings, and paved the way for generations to come. Through my work, I hope to honour their endeavours and amplify their voices.

The biographies I uncover are awe-inspiring, shedding light on stories that the general public might not know existed. These women deserve a place in our shared narrative. Their contributions have woven the fabric of our society, often behind the scenes, and it's high time they receive the spotlight they deserve.

As I meticulously stitch each portrait, I pour my admiration and respect into every thread. The process is slow and deliberate, much like the journey these women embarked upon to challenge societal norms. The canvas transforms into a mosaic of emotions, capturing their strength, determination, and the impact they left on the world.

Through "Stitching Herstory," I aspire to do more than just create beautiful, embroidered portraits. I want to ignite curiosity, to make people stop and ponder these stories, to encourage them to delve deeper into the annals of history. These women were catalysts for change, and their stories continue to resonate today.

In a world where the noise of modernity often drowns out the echoes of the past, "Stitching Herstory" stands as a quiet reminder of the remarkable women who shaped our world. With every stitch, I hope to spark conversations, inspire reflection, and reignite appreciation for the battles fought by these heroines.

So, as I continue to embroider the portraits of women pioneers, both from Nottingham and beyond, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's weave their stories into the fabric of our collective memory, giving them the recognition, they so rightfully deserve. Together, we can ensure that their legacies endure, just like the intricate threads that make up each embroidered masterpiece.

Read about the portraits I’ve already stitched here:

I will be updating this page as I continue stitching the portraits of remarkable women that inspire me every day.