Poppies for peace

A ten metre tapestry-style banner hangs in Brett Whitely Place to acknowledge the contribution of North Sydney nurses to the World War 1 effort. While the names of nurses are embroidered onto the banner, it must be remembered there were many more who independently travelled to Europe to serve in makeshift hospitals, and were never registered with the armed services. We acknowledge their contribution as well. The deliberate use of circles and linear patches are designed to reference the contribution of non-registered nurses of Indigenous heritage. This installation is the third major project created by the North Sydney Yarn-Storm team. Embedded within the banner are four pieces retrieved from the first project as a statement of the group’s history. For the team of artist participants who crafted and created the poppies, then stitched them to the shade cloth, the recognition of nurses during international conflicts is very important. Many of the participants are skilled with yarn craft, and as volunteers in their local area of North Sydney, create rugs for the international charity of “Wrap With Love”. From 04 August when the community based art project began to 08 November, when the banner was installed, more than 2000 poppies were made and stitched by 20+ regular volunteers and anonymous donors. One regular participant, aged over ninety years, created 101 poppies for the banner. Additionally, support and information were provided by the staff of Stanton Library, including Ian Hoskins, the North Sydney Council historian, Michael Burns (historian) and the pupils of Neutral Bay Public School After School Care.