HUNDREDS of vulnerable women have had a hand in a community art project which was unveiled for the first time at a special event in Leamington.
Called ‘Queen,’ the impressive patchwork is made up of more than 1,000 hand-stitched hearts and flowers and took over six months to complete.
The seven-metre hooded cape, is the initiative of The Esther Project, a Leamington-based CiC dedicated to supporting vulnerable women, including those dealing with mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, overcoming addiction, transitioning from prison or facing homelessness.
It was completed with the backing of Leamington Town Council’s Community Grant Fund, established to support Community and Voluntary groups with projects that are of benefit to the wider Leamington Spa community.
Lisa Nicolle, spokesperson for The Esther Project, said: “The Queen project exemplifies how craft and creativity can empower individuals, while building links with the wider community. It brings together women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and breaking down barriers between age groups, skill levels and social experience.
“Each stitch carries a story – of courage after hardship, of rebuilding confidence, of daring to dream of a new future. Piece by piece, these individual creations have been joined together to form a spectacular cape fit for a queen.
“It is more than an artwork – it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when women stand together, support one another, and believe in themselves again. The project brings women together in a supportive and collaborative setting, reducing feelings of isolation.”
The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 – her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions.
Esther House – a seven-bed supported living accommodation, opens its doors for vulnerable women who need a safe space to recover.
Many of the ladies who attend The Esther Project’s weekly support groups also had a hand in creating the designs which were then meticulously sewn onto the cape over several weeks by a team of hardworking volunteers.
Specially invited guests, including the mayor Coun Ruggy Singh and Warwickshire Police Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, gathered to witness The Queen’s grand unveiling at The Riverside Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens on Thursday September 4, ahead of its tour of other locations in the town.
Visit www.theestherproject.co.uk/ for details.
