Hull Artist To Honour Efforts Of Frontline Workers During Pandemic

A rising local artist has been commissioned by Hull City Council to produce a piece of artwork recognising the vital contribution of frontline workers during the pandemic.

Erin Ledsom is an embroidery artist from Hull and a recent graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Needlework. Her colourful and textured work often draws inspiration from her home town.

She was Future Ferens Young and Emerging Talent winner at the 2021 Ferens Open Exhibition. 

Erin said: “I feel honoured that I have been chosen to work on this commission. I can’t wait to get started on the project which will pay credit to all the workers for their incredible efforts during the pandemic.”

As well as producing the piece, which will be displayed in the Guildhall, Erin will take part in a wider programme of activities that will include three community stitching sessions and a film capturing the creation process.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Our frontline workers have kept our city moving during the pandemic, often when it was threatening to grind to a halt.

“They have bravely and relentlessly supported our communities when they were needed the most; they are the real heroes of the past two years.

“I’m delighted that Erin, such a talented young artist whose pride for her city oozes through her artwork, has been asked to produce this important piece, which will serve as a lasting recognition of the incredible efforts of our staff and frontline workers.”

Erin Ledsom works intuitively, creating marks and shapes to form vibrant backgrounds for the motifs she creates.

She uses hand embroidery skills to bring the illustrations to life, using unconventional materials and making them conventional using hand embroidery techniques.

Erin uses materials such as straws, scubis (plastic string), pipe cleaners, hair bobbles and pom poms to add texture and 3D elements alongside the use of 3D beading techniques, goldwork, crewelwork and raised work techniques.

The commission is being supported by the Rupert Alec Smith Trust Fund.

Rupert Alex Smith was an Alderman of the Council and left a trust fund for the purpose of funding new artworks or the acquisition of older pieces relevant to the city.