Supported by a community grant from Gosport Borough Council, the project has already drawn widespread praise for its creativity, inclusivity and local pride.
More than 70 people attended the launch event, taking photographs with the finished artwork, reading the stories behind the pieces, and contributing their own reflections in the comment book. The collage features 190 individually created fabric squares, each representing a personal story, memory, or symbol of life in Gosport. These stories, ranging from childhood moments and local heritage to sports, seaside rituals, creativity, community groups and intergenerational memories, form a rich narrative tapestry of the town.
Created from eight-inch cotton squares designed by residents of all ages, the project welcomed contributions from schools, youth groups, crafters, community organisations, veterans, clubs, and individual residents. Invitations to take part were issued at free community workshops and through open calls to “share what Gosport means to you.”
Project lead Annelies James of 22Midnight expressed her gratitude to everyone involved: “Gosport has such a powerful sense of place, and this collage proves just how much creativity, pride and connection lives within our community. Every single square holds its own story, and together they form a legacy piece we can all be proud of.”
Special thanks were extended to Flamin’ Good Crafts and Sew Tribal, whose teams played a key role in supporting contributors and helping sew the final piece together. Additional thanks were given to YourSpace, which hosted drop-ins and served as the first exhibition venue.
Where to see the collage next
The collage and storybook will now tour public venues across the borough, inviting even more residents to view the artwork and add their comments. Upcoming exhibition dates include:
December 19 – St Mary’s Church, Alverstoke
January 6 – Gosport Leisure Centre
February 2 – Gosport Museum and Art Gallery
March 2 – Alverbank Hotel
Residents, organisations or venues wishing to host the collage as it continues its tour are encouraged to get in touch. The collage would like a permanent home from next year so if any place in Gosport would like to keep it longer term, please get in touch.
A creative legacy for Gosport
The storybook accompanying the collage features every square and story submitted, capturing a remarkable cross-generational snapshot of Gosport’s community spirit, from sea swimmers, runners, sailors and veterans to schoolchildren, crafters, support groups and long-standing residents. It reflects the town’s humour, resilience, heritage and diversity in a format designed to be enjoyed now and preserved for the future.
Our Gosport Story Book https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-TORsBvHwnQNHhHKn9YZrjtX_ybQ9Ov2?usp=drive_link
Our Gosport Story Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582814152856
