Documentary features ‘universal’ cancer tapestry
A DOCUMENTARY has been produced about a tapestry exploring the experience of cancer survivors.
Cockenzie artist Andrew Crummy, who also designed the Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry and Great Tapestry of Scotland, is behind the latest work of art, which will show 1,000 stories of cancer told from the perspective of cancer survivors.
The project, launched in 2019, aims to show both the science and the human side of cancer treatment.
Mr Crummy said: “In 2017, I went through treatment for throat cancer.
“I began speaking to Rod Mountain, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon from Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
“Rod had heard through a mutual friend, Fraser MacLean, that I had designed the Great Tapestry of Scotland.
“Rod phoned me while I was in hospital getting chemotherapy treatment, suggesting when I get better I should think about doing a cancer tapestry. At the same time, my oncologist Dr Ioanna Nixon noticed I was sketching in the hospital and encouraged me to keep drawing.
“After my treatment, Ioanna and Rod began the journey with me to create a cancer tapestry, later joined by Gillian Hart.
“And recently, Macmillan Cancer Support supported the creation of a documentary by Jon Gill.
“As a designer and community artist, I felt I could give something back to the NHS after the amazing treatment I received.
“Getting the cancer tapestry up and running has been a real privilege; in particular the many moving stories that are shared and stitched.”
Jon Gill, maker of the documentary – A Good Thing To Do: Andrew Crummy’s Cancer Tapestry – explained how he had got involved.
He said: “As soon as I heard Andrew’s story, I just had to tell it. And it became so much more than I could have imagined at the beginning.
“What’s remarkable is that, until now, the stories in Andrew’s tapestries have been geographical, whereas the cancer tapestry is universal.”
Eleanor Oglivie, engagement manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “As soon as I heard about the cancer tapestry, I was keen to work with Andrew to see how we might also extend this wonderful project to the people affected by cancer that Macmillan supports.
“The creative way people’s cancer experiences have been shared, and the community spirit behind this, work as a unique way to engage with people whose voice is often missing. It’s such an important educational and community engagement method.”
During the Covid-19 lockdown, Heather Swinson completed the first panel.
Mr Crummy added: “At present there are 10 panels up and running and I have completed three paintings based on my experience.
“We have panels in Waltonon-Thames, Glasgow, Dundee,
Dunblane, East Lothian and Leeds, and two panels being designed by a junior doctor.
“We are also hoping to expand to create a Macmillan Cancer Support panel.
“It is hoped to further expand the project, gathering more stories about cancer.”
The documentary is available to watch at youtube.com/watch?v=6dbXmUh-Leo