Community arts programme OUTSIDE is bringing The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War wool art exhibition to the Staffordshire Moorlands next month.

Visitors can see the extraordinary display of knitted and crocheted wartime scenes at Great Wood Community Hall in Tean from 1st to 30th December. 

The touring exhibition of hand-crafted textile art tells the story of Britain during World War II, from the declaration of war on 3rd September 1939 to VE Day on 8th May 1945. This includes significant events such as D-Day, the King’s Speech, The Blitz, the bombing of major cities, the Home Guard, the Women’s Land Army, rationing, and much more. Through 80 different panels, the 3D wool artwork explores the social history of the war – how ordinary people coped, endured, and adapted during years of hardship and change. In addition, life-size knitted displays honour the people who served both at home and on the front lines.

Founder Tansy Forster and her fellow volunteer knitters and crocheters from across the UK and beyond created the installation. It follows on from the great success of The Longest Yarn, an 80 metre wool art depiction of the D-Day landings, which toured the UK last year and is currently touring America.

Katie Aldous, OUTSIDE’s interim director, said: “The Longest Yarn 2: Britain at War is an incredible showcase of the power of collective creativity, community spirit, and storytelling through craft. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at Great Wood Community Hall to bring the exhibition to Tean. It's a great opportunity for people of all ages from across the Moorlands to connect with the artistry, history, and heart woven into every stitch.”

Tansy Forster, founder of The Longest Yarn, said: “We’re so pleased to bring The Longest Yarn 2 to Tean, and looking forward to sharing our work with the community. As a volunteer-led charitable association, we thank everyone who visits and tells others, and those who donate, as their support helps us in turn support veteran charities."

For further details and free tickets for Britain at War in Tean visit outsidearts.org

More information about The Longest Yarn can be found at thelongestyarn.com