International Peace Quilt arrives in Hartlepool

The Schools’ International Peace Quilt has arrived at the Heugh Battery on the Headland and it will remain on show until Sunday, June 12.

It gives Hartlepool people a chance to view an intricate piece of art which was created by schoolchildren around the world.

The quilt’s history stretches back to 2011 when it was created as a celebration of the London Olympics.

Schools from all over the world were invited to send in a picture which would represent their wish for peace.

In the end, 203 countries responded from Denmark to Paraguay, and North Korea to South Africa.

Children sent messages of what Peace meant to them and once the designs were received, they were then transferred onto material and all joined together to create the giant quilt.

The final product was put together by the Quilters of Guisborough and the Abraham Moss Community School in Manchester.

The creation went on show for the first time in September 2011 at the One Young World Summit in Switzerland that month.

Since then, it has travelled the world and been exhibited in Brazil, Italy, the USA, India, The Netherlands, Haiti, Denmark, and Argentina.

Now it is back in Hartlepool where it first paid a visit four years ago. Battery museum manager Diane Stephens described the importance of the quilt as “massive.

“It was a phenomenal job to get all of these children to contribute.”

Officials said the quilt is as important as ever with the Rio Olympics just weeks away.

A spokesman said the continuing aim was for schools, teachers and students to again express their message of peace to the world through the creative power of art. 

Diane added: “People who have seen the quilt so far have said they have really enjoyed it and we would love more people to come along.”

For more details on the Battery, in Moor Terrace on the Headland, contact (01429) 270746, or email [email protected].

People can also find out more by visiting the website at www.heughbattery.com