A project which has captured some of Hull’s heritage, character and communities in cross stitch will be unveiled to participants and the wider public with a launch event and a series of open days at the venue where it all began.
Miranda van Rossum will reveal the results of her Hull in Stitches journey at the Danish Church in Hull on Wednesday May 14. The completed work will then go on display in the church every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday until the end of May, with Miranda attending in person every Saturday for “meet the artist” sessions.
Hull in Stitches began at the Danish Church on Friday March 1, 2024 when Miranda began stitching a stained glass window restored using fragments from the original which was bombed 70 years before.
For the last of her 100 pieces Miranda took up a position on the touchline to capture the scenes at Hull Kingston Rovers on Thursday February 27, 2025.
Now she has placed all the pieces on a large fabric which will be displayed in the church and then put up for sale to raise money for the Trussell Food Bank in Hull.
Miranda’s trip around the city took her to libraries, community centres, churches and much more. In readiness for the launch and exhibition she is contacting as many of the venues as she can to invite them to see the outcome.
Everybody will find their own favourite when all the pieces are revealed. The Jean Bishop fire engine in her iconic bee design. A West Hull community hub bingo card picking out a set of numbers unique to the life and career of Johnny Whiteley. A child-like design for HEY Children’s University.
Miranda said: “Almost as soon as I started the project, the groups I visited started asking whether the finished map would go on public display. The idea hadn’t occurred to me originally, but with so many groups and organisations and the good work they do represented in the collection, it did seem like a good idea.
“I’m especially looking forward to the launch night, where we hope to bring together as many of the groups and organisations as possible, and really celebrate and shine a light on all these good people doing good things.
“It will be mainly a social occasion but I’ll also talk a little about my cross stitch journey around the city and I’ll be present every Saturday after that until the end of the month to chat to visitors.”
Charlotte Theill, manager at the Danish Church, added: “ It’s very exciting and fitting that we get to exhibit the finished map of Hull, especially as Miranda’s journey started here. It has been great seeing the project evolve, highlighting the fantastic work that’s being done in the local community.
“It’s also encouraging for us to be hosting only our second exhibition ever and we look forward to welcoming people from all the wonderful groups and organisations that Miranda has visited. Admission to the launch night is free and there will be refreshments available to purchase.
“It’s great that people will have these opportunities to view the cross stitch collection and talk to Miranda about the project. I will attend on the weekdays and between us we’ll share Miranda’s stories and promote the work of the food bank.”
After the launch the cross stitch collection will go on display every Saturday until the end of the month from 11am until 2pm, every Wednesday from 3pm until 5pm and every Thursday from 1pm until 4pm.
To support the Trussell Foodbank in recognition of Miranda’s work, visit https://justgiving.com/page/hull-in-stitches