Hellens- A History in Stitches - OPEN DAY

Hellens is delighted to invite the public to a special Open Day on Wednesday, 14th October 2026, celebrating the completion of the ambitious embroidery project, ‘Hellens, a History in Stitches’. This remarkable crewelwork frieze, stretching nearly 10 meters in total, serves as a visual chronicle of Hellens Manor, spanning from the pre-1066 era to the present day.

Conceived in 2017 and brought to life over eight years by a dedicated team of thirteen Arts Society Heritage Volunteers, the piece is a testament to meticulous craftswomanship and creative collaboration. Using heritage shades of Appletons crewelwool and traditional techniques, the volunteers have captured the manor’s rich history—from its earliest inhabitants and the influential families who shaped it, to the stunning landscape of the Marcle Ridge, traditional orchards and heritage trees of our surroundings.

The embroidery can be viewed in the intimate Minstrels' Gallery on Wednesday afternoons when Hellens is open, but this special exhibition offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper and to view the completed embroidery, alongside the research, design and story of its creation.