Bicentennial tapestry finds new home

Horsham Spinners and Weavers will soon see their Bicentennial Mural Tapestry on display in Horsham Town Hall.

The tapestry, an historic depiction of Horsham’s business centre, is the result of 2050 hours of weaving and includes 49 shades of grey and white wool.

It was previously on display at Horsham Civic Centre.

Horsham Regional Art Gallery director Adam Harding said the town hall was a more appropriate home for the tapestry. “The town hall is a much more communityvisited centre and a much better place for it to be viewed and hung,” he said.

Spinners and weavers secretary Trish Venn said the tapestry needed care and people need an opportunity to appreciate the artwork.

“It’s 30 years since it was finished so it’s important for it to be hung and protected,” she said.

“It should be seen and appreciated after all the work that has gone into it.”

Spinners and weavers created the tapestry in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary and presented it to the Horsham community.

Spinners and weavers member Irene Sallmann said the tapestry was a result of people working together. “It’s got quite a history,” she said. “We were doing what we liked doing and we learnt a lot from other people, that’s what’s good.”