Our friends at the Skylark IX Recovery Project have unveiled the much anticipated ‘Skylark IX Community Tapestry’.

 The new Tapestry celebrates the life of the ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’ Skylark IX, from her construction as a pleasure boat in 1934 up to her new role today, inspiring those recovering from addictions or facing social isolation across West Dunbartonshire.

Visitors to our Dumbarton Museum can also enjoy learning more about Skylark IX’s story in the Project’s ‘Hope Floats’ exhibition, which is currently on display on the ground floor, near to their Boatbuilding Workshop.

The Skylark IX Community Tapestry

The Skylark IX Community Tapestry, which was created as part of the nationwide Year of Stories, was handcrafted by the Project’s ‘Skylark IX in Stitches’ group and members of the wider community.

Over the 14 month mental health and well-being project, the stitchers, who were mostly total beginners, learned the traditional but fading life skills of hand stitching, embroidery and applique.

The resulting Skylark IX Community Tapestry, which has been made mostly of recycled fabric, thread and yarn donated by the community and using wooden battens crafted by the Project’s Community Boatbuilders, brings Skylark’s spirit and her story of resilience and hope to life over 12 vibrant imagined scenes.

Each stitcher also added their own personal stories and creative ideas to the visual storybook along with symbols of Dumbarton’s history.

Hidden in each of the 12 panels also sits a small stitched heart representing the love people have for Skylark and the Project has for the community.

The Skylark IX Recovery Project is keen to hear from local organisations and venues who may be interested in displaying the Tapestry either temporarily or on a more permanent basis.

Interested organisations and venues can contact Jade West
by emailing skylarkinfo@alternativeswd.org
For more information on the Skylark IX Recovery Project,
visit www.skylarkix.co.uk