The first four panels of the UK Covid Inquiry’s commemorative tapestry (seen top of page) have been unveiled at the Inquiry’s hearing centre in Dorland House.
The tapestry hopes to capture the experiences and emotions of people across the UK during the pandemic, helping to ensure that people who suffered hardship and loss remain at the heart of the Inquiry.
The panels are inspired by the experiences of organisations and individuals from across the UK.
Experience
Each panel is based on an illustration by a different artist, following conversations with individuals and communities impacted in different ways by the pandemic.
“Broken Hearts” is a collaboration between artist Andrew Crummy and the Scottish Covid Bereaved group, one of the Inquiry’s Core Participants, and expresses the grief and sadness felt by so many at the loss of loved ones.
“Little Comfort” was created by Daniel Freaker, and is his interpretation of some of the emotions and experiences of those with Long Covid, following conversations with members of several Long Covid support and advocacy organisations.
“Eyes Forced Shut” was created by Catherine Chinatree. It explores the disempowerment and loss of freedoms experienced by patients and their relatives in care homes, and follows conversations between the artist and members of Care Campaign for the Vulnerable.
“The Important Thing Is That You Care” was created by artist Marie Jones, following a series of conversations with a bereaved individual in Wales, grieving the loss of her father.
There are a number of ways people can share their experiences with the Inquiry. The main way is via the Inquiry’s Every Story Matters online form on its website. For those who cannot use the online form to share their story there will be a range of alternatives made available – including paper versions and later this year a telephone number people can call. Members of the Inquiry team will also be travelling across the UK so that individuals can share their experiences in person at community events.
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