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Diamond Jubilee Project
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The Diamond Jubilee Tapestry, designed by Nusra Latif Qureshi, was begun in 2012 in celebration of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Australia. Their visit to the ATW was associated with their connection to the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (PSTA) in London, which was founded by His Royal Highness.
The first stage of this project was an intensive 4-day workshop in November 2012 for students from Coolaroo Primary School, together with educators from the PSTA and Royal Botanic Gardens, and Qureshi. The students were deeply engrossed in their work, and the feedback received was remarkable. On 6 November, the Workshop was honoured with a visit by HRH The Prince of Wales. After touring the Workshop, Prince Charles chatted with the students and viewed their artwork.
The creation of the tapestry design was truly a collaborative process. Qureshi was inspired by her participation in the student workshops and undertook extensive conversations with ATW director Antonia Syme and senior weavers Sue Batten and Chris Cochius regarding the translation of her artwork into tapestry.
This wonderful vibrant design, which incorporates aspects of the students’ artwork, is rich in meaning. The ochre of the background refers to the red earth of Australia and the vast spread of its land. The spikes of the callistemon are filled with tiny specks of bright colour, symbolic of the diversity of people and cultures. The five red callistemon form the Southern Cross, and the design’s red, blue and white colours reference the Australian flag, while the white rose— symbolising Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family—and the blue sun refer to the historic and cultural connections between Australia and Britain.
The completed tapestry travelled to the UK in March 2013, where it was exhibited as part of the Wool House exhibition at Somerset House.
This project is supported by funding from Arts Victoria, donors to the ‘Give an Inch’ campaign through the Tapestry Foundation of Australia, and The Merino Company.