Textile map finds new home

A textile map of the Millgate area, that was created 13 years ago, has been framed and hung permanently in Millgate Museum, Newark.

The hand-embroidered map has been framed by Hills of Newark. The finished map weighs 25kg and measures 12ft by 3ft.

Moulding had to be specially made to frame it.

The map was created as part of a project involving more than 200 people to record the history of the Millgate area.

It has been housed in the museum since it was created and displayed periodically.

Mrs Margaret Rising, of Northgate, Newark, was one of those who helped to create the map.

Mrs Rising said she was pleased it was now on show.

She said: “I think it belongs here. Seeing it up bring back a lot of memories of when we were making it.”

Millgate Conservation Society’s conservation officer, Mrs Sue Pickles, said the map was used as a resource by the museum.

She said: “We get so many school parties come and use it as part of their studies. It really does help them because they can look at the map and then find things to look out for as they walk around Millgate.”

Mrs Sarah Lawrence was the local artist co-ordinator for the project.

She said: “It is an important piece of historical art work and a reference for this area and there won’t be many pictures around that are of this quality.”

Money for the framing was donated by county councillor for the area, Mr Keith Girling.

Mr Girling said: “I think it’s fantastic. That is why I decided to donate some of my divisional money towards the frame.

“I think it needed to be done and I think the map is now in its rightful place.”