Britain at War Knitted Figures Bring Wartime Stories to Life in Enniskillen
A remarkable knitting project titled Britain at War is currently captivating visitors at St Macartin's Cathedral in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. This unique exhibition, part of The Longest Yarn's UK tour running through to the end of 2027, has been widely praised for its ability to bring the social history of the Second World War vividly to life.
An 80-Metre Installation Honouring Service
The centrepiece of the exhibition is an 80-metre installation that explores the era through life-sized, hand-crafted figures known as the Army of Duty Calls. These knitted creations honour those who served during the conflict, offering a tangible and emotional connection to the past. The project's scale and detail make it a significant cultural attraction, drawing attention to the sacrifices made for peace.
Local Impact and Historical Significance
Kenny Hall, Dean of Enniskillen Cathedral, highlighted the exhibition's importance to the local community. During The Longest Yarn's previous visit, the cathedral welcomed nearly 20,000 visitors in just six weeks. Mr Hall emphasised that Enniskillen is the only town in the British Isles with two regiments named after it—the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers and the Royal Enniskillen Dragoon Guards—making the regimental chapel an ideal venue.
It's wonderful to have it here, he said. We're the only venue in Ireland hosting this exhibition, which should be a major attraction for Enniskillen. Not only does it put the cathedral on the map, but it also supports local businesses, which saw fantastic trade during the winter months when it's typically very quiet.
Mr Hall added that the knitted figures truly bring the period to life, helping future generations understand what their ancestors endured for global peace. Proceeds from the exhibition support veterans' charitable purposes, adding a philanthropic dimension to the project.
Origins Inspired by a Veteran's Story
The idea for Britain at War was conceived by Tansy Forster, originally from Magherafelt but now residing in Normandy, France. She launched the project to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, inspired by her friendship with a veteran named Harry, who landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944.
Harry stayed with us annually for 16 years, Ms Forster explained. After he passed, D-Day felt bereft of meaning. I had a mad idea to knit a topper for my garden gate, but it evolved into designing an 80-metre storyboard representing the 80 years since D-Day. I posted on Facebook, and soon others joined in, creating this collaborative effort.
Community Collaboration and Research
The project involved extensive community participation, including groups like the Knitwits. Claire Holmes and Mavis Fleming from this group were tasked with creating a piece depicting the arrival of American troops in Belfast. They conducted thorough research, uncovering fascinating details such as the guidebooks given to American soldiers, which explained Northern Ireland's culture, religious and political situations, and even how to interact with women.
We recreated a soldier reading his guidebook, Ms Holmes said. It was fascinating to learn that Belfast was the first sight of the United Kingdom for many American soldiers, and they were stationed all over Northern Ireland.
Ms Fleming noted that the project required a huge team of people, with the youngest knitter being just 10 years old. The amount of yarn used is unknown, as it came from both donations and personal stocks, underscoring the community's collective effort.
Exhibition Details
The Britain at War exhibition is open to the public at St Macartin's Cathedral in Enniskillen from 10am to 4pm until March 20. This immersive experience not only educates visitors about wartime history but also fosters local economic benefits and charitable support for veterans, making it a multifaceted cultural event.
