Thanet-based artist Emily Peasgood is working with residents across the isle to create a large-scale community artwork titled This Is England — a giant England flag stitched together from reclaimed England and Union Jack flags and fabrics shared by local people.
Emily says the reclaimed flags, which were displayed in public spaces, have been collected and are now being transformed into something that “reflects inclusion and community, rather than division.”
Rather than discarding the fabric, Emily and participants will clean, cut and rework it, stitching it together with sections of flags and textiles representing the many cultures and family histories of the people who live in Thanet today.
At a time when there are concerns that flags are increasingly being used across the UK as symbols of exclusion, particularly towards refugees and asylum seekers, This Is England aims to reclaim the flag as a symbol of shared belonging.
Emily said: “When flags are used to exclude, they stop being a symbol of community. By reclaiming these flags and weaving them together with fabrics representing the people of Thanet, we are creating a symbol of belonging.
“This is not about one idea of ‘Englishness’ — it is about the reality of who lives here: our grandparents who moved here for work, families who arrived seeking safety, people who grew up here and have never left. They are England.
“The project engages with ongoing conversations around identity and community. Thanet has long been a focal point for debates about migration and belonging, and symbols such as flags have recently appeared in public spaces in ways that many residents experience as divisive. This Is England responds not with opposition, but with care, craft, collaboration and shared making.”
Once complete, the giant flag will be publicly displayed in Thanet, where it will be freely visible to residents and visitors. Emily is currently seeking hosts and public sites where the work can be exhibited.
The project is being delivered in collaboration with residents, refugee and asylum seeker groups, community makers and volunteers.
Workshops: Everyone welcome
Members of the public are invited to take part in free community sewing workshops, where participants will work with small pieces of fabric that reflect their heritage or family stories. No prior sewing experience is needed — materials and guidance will be provided, and the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and inclusive.
Workshop dates:
• Friday 21 November — Ramsgate, 6.30–9pm
• Saturday 22 November — Broadstairs, 10.30am–1 pm
• Saturday 22 November — Margate, 2.30–5pm
Final Big Stitch event:
• Saturday 29 November — Margate, 1–4pm
Venue details will be shared upon booking.
The workshops are open to children and adults, including those who:
• Have lived in another country
• Have family roots elsewhere
• Are curious about the idea of ‘home’ and belonging
All participants will have the opportunity to contribute their piece of fabric to the evolving artwork, alongside others from across Thanet’s communities.
How to take part
The workshops are free, with materials provided.
Participants are welcome to drop in or stay for the entire session.
To attend, book your place at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUsxHLsIEgRNkeus7Q3aDf8iGnOHaemDZjmSB91EpY5Qh1-g/viewform?usp=header
Or contact: [email protected]
