A stunning tapestry composed of 100 panels hand-embroidered by displaced Ukrainian women under the artistic direction of Northfields-based Polish designer, Nisia Jedrychowska is to be part of special exhibitions in Ealing and Chelsea in February to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

'Embroiderers' Stories', an ambitious four-metre-wide tapestry based on paintings by the renowned Ukrainian artist Maria Primachenko, took nine months to complete and involved over 150 people (75 embroiderers, a similar number of sponsors and a handful of helpers) across seven countries. 

Nisia Jedrychowska said: "When the war in Ukraine broke out a year ago I decided I had to dedicate my next charity art project to helping Ukraine. I designed a wall hanging based on 100 Ukrainian paintings to be embroidered by refugees who would be paid by the donations I collected from people around the world.

"The embroideries were crafted by women who had recently lived through the trauma of leaving their homes under Russian attacks, being separated from their loved ones and sometimes barely surviving. They often worked on their embroideries in very challenging circumstances in temporary accommodation. Some of them found real solace and salvation in this work and produced true masterpieces that leave everyone in awe of their talent and dedication."

"It is impossible not to smile when looking at these wildly vibrant images featuring fantastic beasts and fairy-tale countryside scenes. Maria Prymachenko believed that the purpose of her art was to bring joy to people and this tapestry undoubtedly achieves that. However, the project is more than a visually exceptional collection of pretty little pictures - it is also emotionally impactful, as it presents the emotional stories of the embroiderers' lived experience alongside the work they created. These are the stories of pain, loss, sadness, but also hope, unity and inspiration."

Some of the Ukrainian women involved shared how being part of this project made them feel:

Oleksandra Moisiejenko: "I would call it the art of healing. These works are charged with great power and powerful prayer! Each stitch is faith, hope, love and pain, a step towards our Victory! I am very touched by the attitude of people towards us Ukrainians, by the desire to help us, by the interest that our creativity, our art arouses."

Ludmila Moskalenko: "Being abroad, I miss very much everyday things that filled my peaceful life. When I embroider (which I've done since my childhood) it fills me with peace and calmness. When I saw this project I was happy to have an opportunity to hold an embroidery hoop again and make my small contribution to bring relief to the war victims and at the same time to get financial support for my family."

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Embroiders' Stories will first be on display from 11th- 24th February at The Ealing Project, 1 High St, W5 5DB, followed by a further exhibition on 26th February 11am-7pm at The Chelsea Theatre, 7 World's End Place, Chelsea SW10 0DR.