Threads of a City: Manchester Tapestry Project

Led by Dr Lisa Gold, Senior Lecturer in History at Manchester Metropolitan University, Threads of a City is a unique, city-wide initiative that brings together students, artists, and community members to celebrate Manchester’s rich history and vibrant present through the art of embroidery

The project is supported by MMU staff, Manchester Histories, and the vibrant community. The aim is to create a large-scale textile tapestry that reflects the stories, cultures, and history that have shaped Manchester from its incorporation in 1853 to today. Through fabric, thread, and shared creativity, the project will capture the spirit of unity, resilience, and identity that defines the city. The completed tapestry will be unveiled at Manchester Town Hall’s grand reopening in 2027.

Threads of a City is more than an artwork; it is a storytelling project, a celebration of Manchester’s history, heritage, and people. Each stitched panel will reflect stories uncovered and interpreted by researchers, artists, and volunteers across Manchester. In Year 1 of the two-year project, from early February 2026, the focus is on research, story curation, and panel design. Later in 2026 the project  will move into the stitching phase.

It's still possible to join in the research phase; 

you can register through Eventbrite. The research phase meeting are all held in the ManchesterHistories Hub on the Lower Ground Floor of Central Library, Manchester on Wednesday afternoons from1pm to 4pm.

You can also share this invitation with others who may be interested. For any questions about the process or ways to get involved, contact us at l.gold@mmu.ac.uk.

There's a blog so you can keep up to date with progress on the project: 

https://threadsofacitymanchester.blogspot.com/

Also on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threadsofacitymanchester/?hl=en#

and Facebook: Threads of a City: Manchester Tapestry Project.