Tapestry picture emerging

On a grand scale of 5m by 2.5m, the tapestry ‘Morning Star’ was designed by prominent Australian artists Lyndell Brown and Charles Green, who have served as war artists in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the designers: “This tapestry aims to communicate to non-Australians and to Australian pilgrims an understanding of the places for which the Australians fought and the imaginary spaces they carried with them.”

Australian Tapestry Workshop director Antonia Symes said the centre was honoured to be creating the commission, which was due to be cut off the loom in December 2017.

“This is a very powerful and sensitive tribute to all the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the Western Front with their lives,” Ms Symes said.

“The weavers are using the same manual techniques that have been employed in Europe since the 15th century.

“It is time-consuming and painstaking work but a beautiful image has appeared, depicting photographs of soldiers’ experiences against a backdrop of Australian countryside.”

The wool is sourced from sustainable producers in Australia and is dyed on site into more than 370 colours, shades and tones, including soft pastels which add complexity. Weavers are a large part of the intricate creative process, selecting up to five colours to add simultaneously to a segment.

The tapestry is being funded by various benefactors including the Anzac Centenary Arts & Culture Fund and the Tapestry Workshop’s patron, philanthropist Baillieu Myer.

Other donors include:
• The Marjorie Kingston Trust
• The Calvert-Jones Family
• Anne and Mark Robertson
• Australian Hotels Association
• Samantha and Charles Baillieu

Follow progress of the tapestry here.