Lois Blackburn

Here Comes the Sun (2020)

A Quilt in the Time of Covid

Here Comes the Sun is a collaborative quilt. It was created during the Covid-19 pandemic and led by artist Lois Blackburn, under the arthur+martha banner. We invited people from across the globe to contribute embroidery and poetic text. This resulted in 126 unique squares. These were made by 108 participants aged between 8 and 92. Contributors included professional artists, children, and individuals who hadn’t sewn since school. Volunteers also stitched squares for those who needed support—people experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, or physical disability.

The Theme: Suns

We chose the sun as our central symbol—a powerful image of alchemy, vitality, and hope. Across cultures and centuries, the sun has represented life, energy, protection, growth, and renewal. From the Egyptian sun god Ra to Superman’s solar-powered strength, the symbolism of the sun endures. Amidst the uncertainty of Covid-19, it became a beacon of resilience and joy.

“Mental health, addictions, all mixed into one. I hardly speak to anyone. I feel calmed down working with you.”
— Natalie

A Philosophy of Inclusion

This quilt asks: Who is the artist? Who decides value? All participants worked on squares of the same size, to the same brief—regardless of background, experience, or circumstance. The result is a richly democratic artwork that blurs lines between professional and amateur, housed and unhoused, older and younger.

Names were not categorised by condition or circumstance. Contributors were not labelled as “homeless”, “disabled”, or “vulnerable”. They were simply named.

How We Worked

People were invited to create embroidery and a short poetic reflection. For those unable to sew, drawing or painting was encouraged. Volunteers interpreted these artworks in stitch.

“Thank you so much from my daughter and I for encouraging us to dig out my late grandmother’s stash of embroidery threads… We look forward to seeing the finished quilt.”
— Participant

Some participants rediscovered a long-lost hobby. Others used the project as a vital creative lifeline during isolation. Many contributed their own work and volunteered to stitch for others—fostering new connections across distance and difference.

A Quilt of Stories

Each embroidered sun carries a story. Participants had the option to embroider a name—often a loved one, sometimes anonymous kindnesses—offering acts of remembrance, grief, and gratitude.

“I haven’t embroidered a single name as so many have done so much… simple gestures improved my days immeasurably.”
— Deborah Louise Partington

“Liam is my 15-year-old son… my inspiration to keep battling on.”
— Julie Hunt

Depth of Engagement

Participants engaged at many levels—some sketched one sun, others completed several embroideries or volunteered to stitch others’ designs. For some, the project became an emotional anchor.

“I’m going to try the painting piece if that’s ok… I am hoping that by being part of something that can utilise my skills, my mental health will improve.”
— Sue

“It has given us all a welcome boost… What a privilege!”
— Meryl (Volunteer)

Building a Volunteer Network

We welcomed 18 new volunteers from across the UK, some of whom were vulnerable themselves. The mutual benefits were clear—offering creativity, purpose, and connection in a time of isolation.

“Being involved in something like this is a lifesaver for those of us in isolation… I’m loving time to do my art and crafts for myself and others.”
— Janet, volunteer, aged 72

Unexpected Gifts

“Andy says he’s happy that it’s kept someone happy, with something to do, stops them going mad… We’re going to frame it and put it up in the Centre.”
— Kate McSweeney, Operations Manager, The Booth Centre

Artist Lois Blackburn also donated much of her time and skill to the project:

“This quilt gave me a creative anchor during lockdown. The pleasure of textile-making helped me immensely.”

Partnerships

We collaborated with:

Though some initiatives were curtailed by funding limitations, these partnerships sparked ongoing possibilities for inclusive art-making.

Numbers at a Glance

Exhibitions

2021:

Ongoing:

The project also contributed to wider creative dialogues, including:

Legacy & Looking Forward

Here Comes the Sun not only brought together past collaborators but built lasting relationships with new ones. It expanded our volunteer network and deepened our understanding of inclusive practice. This project demonstrates the power of creativity to nurture, connect, and uplift—even during crisis.

“It’s good that lots of people can contribute to one large project. The suns are a sign that we have all lived under the sun for millions of years… but the sun endures.”
— Beryl Lott

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