Magna Carta (An Embroidery)
In 2015, ISCA Governor Anthea Godfrey worked with the acclaimed contemporary artist Cornelia Parker to produce Magna Carta (An Embroidery), a celebration of the charter's 800th anniversary. This monumental collective embroidery replicates in stitch the entire Wikipedia article on Magna Carta. For the first time, it is currently on display at Tate Britain in London as part of an exhibition of Cornelia Parker's iconic works.
As Artistic Director of the Embroiderers' Guild, Anthea Godfrey was one of the key collaborators on Magna Carta (An Embroidery) and reproduced a section of the piece in the traditional technique of Or Nue. She explained how the work took shape with contributions from more than 200 people involved with organisations ranging from the Royal School of Needlework to Fine Cell Work which is a social enterprise that trains prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework. Hand and Lock, a commercial embroidery company, also played an important role in the development of the piece.
ISCA staff, students and the public will be able to view this impressive work at Tate Britain until 16th October 2022.