Eight-year crafting projectresults instunning Grenfell memorial quilt
In the heart of North Kensington, Tuesday Greenidge is a regular face at the library, often working on her monumental masterpiece – the Grenfell Memorial Quilt. Her khaki raincoat, made from Grenfell cloth, speaks volumes about her dedication to this west London neighborhood she's called home for over three decades. After the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 that claimed 72 lives, Greenidge felt inspired to immortalize the tragedy in a unique, community-driven way.
"We wanted to remember the people we knew," Greenidge says, her voice filled with emotion. Her daughter, Charlie, was one of the survivors that fateful night. Following the outpouring of sympathy from neighbors in the form of flowers, teddy bears, and green hearts, Greenidge was compelled to create an artwork that would serve as a lasting tribute. "There was clothing just dumped in the area," she recalls. "When we were sorting them, we were crying. They were rags. We're making something beautiful."
Drawing inspiration from the Aids Memorial Quilt pioneered by US activist Cleve Jones, Greenidge aimed to create a piece that mirrored the dimensions of the tower block, yet could be easily separated for individual commemorations. She delved into the American jelly-roll technique, wherein strips of pre-cut fabric are stitched together. Greenidge affectionately terms the process as "#Rags-to-ritsch-kitsch-bitsch." Most of the original fabric has been sourced from sheets and old shirts.
The first panel, a 12ft by 12ft piece featuring a patch dedicated to Raymond "Moses" Bernard and six other victims from the top-floor flat, was completed in 2018. Over the years, Greenidge's initially "nomadic group" of sewers transformed into a dedicated unit of 15 to 20 individuals who meet at the library each week. The group is a melting pot of fashion students, members of Whitstable's Profanity Embroidery Group, and international contributors from Brazilian and Mumbai crafting communities.
Greenidge's quilt has since grown to an impressive 220ft by 12ft – five times wider than her initial target. It's a colorful and eclectic tapestry that encompasses various aspects of the tragedy, from photographs and paintings to the names of the 72 victims and eulogies for individuals like Tony Disson, a boxing club trainer. Hearts decorate the quilt in abundance, with the ultimate goal being to capture each one for an upcoming book.
More recently, Greenidge has partnered with the Quilters' Guild to establish a network of sewing bees in libraries nationwide. The goal is to complete the quilt ahead of Grenfell's tenth anniversary in 2027 and to keep community crafting alive beyond the project's conclusion.
The quilt serves as a quiet yet powerful testament to resilience and perseverance amidst chaos and pain. Kimia Zabihyan of Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing the bereaved families, aptly describes it as "a quiet thing going on in the background, providing a moment of peace." This month, Grenfell Next of Kin is presenting an installation at the Milan Triennial's Cities exhibition, where the quilt will be showcased to a global audience.
"It's going to be global," says Greenidge, emphasizing that the issue of flammable cladding – a major factor in the Grenfell fire's rapid spread – is not confined to the UK. In fact, it's a worldwide issue, with hundreds of buildings in the UK, India, China, and Australia still needing remediation. The fire at Grenfell Tower was just a grim reminder of the urgency for stricter building regulations and safety measures.
The Grenfell Memorial Quilt is more than just a tribute; it's a symbol of hope, healing, and community solidarity. It's part of a legacy project, aiming to inspire future generations to understand the importance of social justice and to take meaningful action within their own communities.
Cities exhibit will be at Triennale Milano from 13 May to 9 November.
- Amidst the striking display at the Milan Triennial's Cities exhibit, the Grenfell Memorial Quilt, a symbol of hope and community solidarity, stands out, showcasing a unique home-and-garden of memories crafted from the community's own fabric.
- In the hustle and bustle of modern lifestyle, Tuesday Greenidge dedicates a piece of her life each week to sewing at the library, working on her legacy project – the Grenfell Memorial Quilt, a testament to the spirit of the west London neighborhood she calls home.
