The culmination of a unique and poignant project has been unveiled ahead of a celebration of a 14th century visionary.
The Julian of Norwich 650 Anniversary Cloth of Kindness has been created by crafters and creatives from across the globe.
It is part of a series of initiatives being held to mark 650 years since the publication of a work by Julian of Norwich - who lived in permanent seclusion as an anchoress in her cell - describing her religious experience as she lay ill.
Her writings are the earliest surviving English language works by a woman.
The Cloth of Kindness is the brainchild of artist Sally-Anne Lomas, who was inspired by Julian's belief that society is "enfolded in divine love".
Wanting to make the concept physical, she took further inspiration from the embroidered textiles of Lorina Bulmer, a resident at the Great Yarmouth Workhouse in the late 19th century.
She then invited people to send her their thoughts and experiences of compassion and scraps of red material. She then embroidered them together with her own meditations and the words of Julian of Norwich to create the first Cloth of Kindness.
The cloth was exhibited so that people could snuggle underneath it and be enfolded in loving messages of compassion.
She has now joined forces with quilt-making “dynamo” and project manager, Gill Perks.
Ms Lomas said: “It's about words that have meaning, words that care, and passing these on to help others. Every patch tells a story and together they make something beautiful.
“Making this Cloth of Kindness for the Julian of Norwich 650 celebrations has been particularly special,” she added.
“In one sense, it's been a very local project.
“But it's also been global with sewn patches coming in from all over England as well as America, Canada, Australia and Asia.
“That's how far Julian's love spreads.
“Any visitors to Julian's Cell who are having a tough time can be wrapped in this loving cloth and feel that they are enfolded in love.”
The Julian of Norwich 650th anniversary cloth was revealed and presented at the Julian Centre on Rouen Road, Norwich, on Wednesday, May 10 as part of the Julian 650 Festival celebrations.
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