It's Not A Fallow Period, It's Lack Of Time

I make art in small pockets of time on evenings and weekends. I like my ‘day jobs’, and am lucky to have them, but they are ‘low pay’ and I wouldn’t do them if I didn’t have to. I would be making art instead. And then some.

A few days ago a woman came into the gallery where I work. I liked her immediately. I wrongly assumed she was biding her time before hopefully showing her phone-art with the aim of securing an exhibition. This happens more frequently than I would like. I don’t have, or want, the power to dish-out exhibitions. I was wrong. She had studied Fine Art but now worked for a printing company, which she enjoyed. She said she was too poor to be an artist. When she left Art School she needed to get a job to pay the rent.

I get it.

For the past decade, or so, I have attempted to document the year by stitching newspaper faces to cloth. That’s the 2024 version, above. You can see the names of the ‘sitters’ here.

May begins today, and I haven’t started stitching this year yet. History tells me that if I don’t start in January, then I don’t start at all. There are worse things, I know, but I’m feeling incredibly sad about it. Attaching the ‘faces’, gradually throughout the year, provides my brain with enough delusion to convince it I’m making a lot of art. When in reality I’ve only completed one piece of work in the last three years, because like most working people I’m selling my time to pay the bills and have very little left for art making. This is NOT the same as having a ‘fallow period’. I am not having one of those.

I first started stitching paper faces on New Year’s Day 2015 (or 2014?) when a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on the door and gave me the Watchtower. From then on, every face that came through the letterbox was hand stitched to a large woollen blanket. At about 1,600 faces there was no space left, so I stopped. It took a couple of years, I think. I don’t have a studio, and had no place to store it, which resulted in its butchering. I cut it into sixteen pieces, you can see the top-left corner below.

Section 1 of Mostly Uninvited, c2015

I enjoyed the process and wanted to continue, but needed something more manageable, something smaller. So in 2019 (sitters list here), I started restricting myself to 365 faces, thereby documenting the year. I’d call it ‘The Audience’ and make one annually. So much for that.

The Audience 2019

Because of my exile, the 2020 faces weren’t stitched until 2021 (sitters list here). By now, I had an idea of how much space 365 heads needed and budgeted accordingly. Twelve months, spread over four napkins, each the perfect holding size. On account of there being a lack of newspapers for a huge chunk of the year, I replaced some faces with crosses from my parents’ prescription bags and little covid-thingies, both of which were in abundance. It was shortlisted for the Brixton Art Prize.

The Audience 2020

‘The Audience 2021’ didn’t happen. It’s a pile of dusty newspapers in the corner of my lounge. So is ‘The Audience 2023’ and ‘The Audience 2025’. However, ‘The Audience 2022’ was miraculously completed. Although, I’ve yet to document it so it’s not really finished.

The Audience 2022

An even bigger miracle is that I made two versions of ‘‘The Audience 2024’. One to sell, eventually. I hope. It just needs signing, dating and backing. I submitted it, unsuccessfully, for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

I’m hoping to show them all at the Barbican Library in August. Maybe I’ll see some of you there?

PS. There’s 15 tickets (from a possible 30) left for my art-talk-meal-thingy, and 48 prints (from a possible 50) left from my limited-edition-delaunay-do-da.

A Good Kick Up My Cocky Arse

There is a ‘62 Group’ exhibition coming soon to Farnham. Being a member of said group, I took it for granted that I would be in it. I confidently sashayed to the framer with ‘Jake and Dinos Chapman Have An Idea’ (yes, another prod at the male dominated artworld) the minute I’d cast off. My usual stance is to wait until confirmation before committing to the expense of a frame.

I was rejected.

Seven positives.

1. I got a good kick up my cocky arse. Always good.

2. I was forced (old work wasn’t submittable) to focus. This is the only piece of work I’ve completed in three years. What about last year's Faces? (I hear you cry). Not quite finished yet. 2023’s Faces, then? Not even started. What about that piece in the Royal Academy Summer Show? Made in 2022.

3. I enjoyed the making. The ‘small work’ stipulation proved to be perfectly manageable. I spent Christmas and New Year stitching Ernie Wise’s legs, and enjoyed every minute.

4. I have a new piece of work, framed (not paid for or collected yet, mind) and ready to sell. Well, as soon as I’ve documented the sources.

5. Another artist, hopefully a previous rejectee, has been given a platform. The gallery is small. There is not enough space for everyone. The curators can’t please us all. It can’t always be my turn.

6. I no longer need to take time from my day jobs (I don’t get paid holidays) to deliver, collect work, and pay for train fares to deepest Surrey.

7. It has made me consider, not for the first time, photography. The importance of good photographs was frequently repeated in the instructions. I ignored the advice, blindly doing what I always do, taking snaps with my not-particularly-modern phone.

Joy in the Detail: Small Work from the 62 Group

7th May - 6th September, 2025.

Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 5pm. Saturday, 10am - 4pm.

Crafts Study Centre, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DS.

Free.

Artist's Supper

Me and Chef Zeenat Fayyaz are doing this thing called ‘Artist’s Palate’ at Art4Space, in South London, on 9th May. I will be rabbiting on about my art and stuff, and Zeenat will be making a delicious vegetarian feast for you to enjoy. Tickets are priced at £30/£35 and the Eventbrite link is here.

Zeenat is a cooking instructor based in Brixton. She is passionate about her Punjabi heritage and Indian cuisine, focusing on simple, healthy dishes that use locally sourced produce. 

Art4Space is a non-profit community interest company that has been using art to create change and social justice since 1999. With over 25 years of hard work and dedication, its committed team has built a strong reputation for excellence in the arts, focusing on continuous development and community engagement.

Ticket purchase helps fund community arts projects, providing mental health support and promoting creativity for those in need.

With this in mind, I have used some of my fee (the rest will cover my travel costs) to purchase two tickets to this event. If you fancy coming, but it’s beyond your means, please email me (if I don’t reply, I haven’t received the email) or reply to my ‘March Stuff’ newsletter. I will pick two names from a hat on 3rd April. Names will not be drawn publicly, and anyone who messages me regarding tickets will be informed of the outcome in private. If only two people request tickets, the hat thing won’t be necessary, obvs. If nobody requests tickets, I will offer them as an Instagram prize or persuade my kids to come, mood depending.

If walking alone, late at night, is stopping you, there will be a few of us (definitely me, anyway) walking to Stockwell Tube afterwards. You will be doing me a favour, too. Let me know if you are coming.

Big thanks to Jewels Norburn and Adrian Flower for inviting me, and to Leah and Morgane for showing me around, and the friendly welcome. Thanks to Katrine, too. And an extra big THANK YOU to anyone who buys a ticket.

'Lying Naked' Rides Again

For the second time in seven years, ‘Lying Naked’ is out in the wild.

In 2018 it was sentenced to under-bed prison, after being hung in the National Gallery (for one night) when it reached the shortlist of the Evening Standard Art Prize. It didn’t win. Costly framing was out of the question, so I nailed it to a lump of wood. Last April it was released, as part of  ‘(a contemporary) phantasmagoria’, a group show which coincidentally also had work by Matthew Collings who was one of the judges on the art prize. And now that group show rides again. In Liverpool.

‘(a contemporary) phantasmagoria 2’, continues until 29th April, 2025. Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University, L6. 9 - 5 weekdays, 9 - 4 weekends. Hours may change at Easter. Curated by John Bunker and Ken Turner.

Lying Naked, 2018

Hand-stitched newspaper to cloth

38 x 51cm.

Left to right:

1 The Lion Man of Ulm, thought to be about 40,000 years old. Carved from mammoth ivory and discovered in Germany in 1939. Cut from the London Evening Standard, 6.9.18. Photo: Oleg Kuchar/ Museum Ulm. Taken from a book review, by Douglas Murray, of ‘Living With The Gods: On Beliefs And Peoples’ by Neil McGregor (Penguin, 2018). Also a Radio 4 series.

‘Pink Pussy Hat’ from the anti-Trump marches. Cut from the London Evening Standard, 4.9.18. The photographer appears to be uncredited, however, there is a photo of Ian Hislop on the same page credited as J Fernandes/ D Hubbard. Maybe this credit also applies to the hat photo? It was cut from a review, by Melanie McDonagh, of the British Museum exhibition, ‘I Object: Ian Hislop’s Search For Dissent’. I saw this exhibition. The hat was displayed in a glass cabinet as if valued, but the knitter was not named. I would’ve almost accepted ‘we tried to find the maker of this piece’, but nothing.

Feet of Boris Johnson, London 2012. From that photo when he was on the zipwire with a Union Jack in each hand. Barcroft Media*.

2. Torso of Donald Trump with the arm of his granddaughter, Arabella. Cut from the London Evening Standard, 30.7.18. Photographer uncredited.

‘Busting out the moves’ legs of Theresa May, Metro 31.8.18. PA*.

3. Jeanne Hébuterne as Nu couché (sur le côté gauche) by Amedeo Modigliani, 1917. Sold at Sotheby’s in New York for £116m. Cut from the Guardian, 12.5.18. Article by Rupert Neate. Photo: AFP/Getty*. Additional article by Miranda Bryant, London Evening Standard, 15.5.18.

Prosthetic leg with leather boot of Frida Kahlo. London Evening Standard, 17.5.18. Advertisement for ‘Making Herself Up’ exhibition at the V&A. Photo by Javier Hinojosa.

4 Torso of AJ Cook as JJ Jareau (Special Agent Jennifer Jareau) in ‘Criminal Minds’. Cut from the TV schedule page of the London Evening Standard, 29.3.18. Photographer uncredited.

Legs of Kendall Jenner ‘in feathers’ by designer Rick Owens. Photographer uncredited.

5 Torso of Kim Jong-un on a visit to a teacher training college in Pyongyang. London Evening Standard, 17.1.18. Photographer uncredited.

Skirt and left leg of Serena Williams, U.S. Open, 2018. ‘The 36-year-old wore a dress, designed by Louis Vuitton Men’s Artistic Director Virgil Abloh, as she beat Polish player, Magda Linette, in straight sets’. London Evening Standard, 28.8.18. Photographer uncredited.

Right leg of Natalie Portman, who ‘transformed herself into a punk for her film Vox Lux, in which she plays a musician called Celeste’. London Evening Standard, 1.3.18. Photographer uncredited.

*The photo credits appear as they did in the publication from which the images were cut. For the record, I don't accept the name of a company as the credit for a photograph. There was an actual person behind the camera. If you are that person, or know them, please let me know. Also, the information in the articles may be fabricated. I use the Evening Standard and Metro newspapers because they are free. I couldn’t afford to make my work if I bought a more ‘reputable’ publication every day.

Evening Standard Art Prize, National Gallery, 2018

Cautio Wet Pain

To Whom it May Concern

What I am about to say is not endorsed by my boss, Ken, and he might freak out if he reads it. So it is important that I stress, these words are my own, absolutely not his.

As you may know on a Friday and Saturday, I work at Tension Gallery in South London. I’m not tagging, but we are easy to find. Ken owns the gallery, pays the bills, and has given me a job I enjoy. I will be forever grateful. Despite his sometimes rough exterior, he is as soft as muck with a heart of gold. He selects artists he likes and respects for our exhibitions. He is the busiest person I know. A plasterer, doing a part-time MFA at Goldsmiths, living two hours from the gallery. I have never had a conversation with him which hasn’t been interrupted by his phone ringing.

I LOVE the gallery and working for Ken. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. However, there’s something that’s really starting to affect my sleeping and mental health.

Before I start, I want to point out that on the Tension website, it states clearly, in capital letters, the gallery does not take unsolicited proposals. Be arsed to read the website before you approach a gallery.

The story I am about to tell is not unusual. My life has become dominated by artists asking me if I can get them an exhibition. I can’t.

An entitled arsehole visited the gallery at 3.30pm yesterday. We were closing at 4pm, when the exhibiting artists were due to collect their work. I politely told him this and made him a cup of tea. It’s his second visit. On his first visit, he invited himself into the office, where I had been happily chatting to a couple of artists about nice things. I went to make him a cuppa (I’m still talking about his first visit) giving him the opportunity to sit in my chair at the desk and dominate the conversation for the next ninety minutes, or so. Meanwhile, knowing that I would now be finishing gallery admin at home that night, I busied myself front-of-house and waited for him to leave. By the way, that’s what happens when you come into the gallery and talk about yourself for two hours. I end up doing the work at home. Ken doesn’t ask me to, I just do. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind looking at your work, in fact I often ask to see, but I don’t have the time to look for two hours. I also don’t take kindly to people coming into the office and taking my laptop so they can show me their website and explain every detail. It’s happened several times. At this point, all I am thinking about, as you drone on, is the work you are preventing me from doing and how that will impact my evening. You have successfully shot yourself in the foot. A large part of my job is welcoming people and discussing the exhibition. I love that and do it well, but that’s not what I’m talking about here. Anyway, back to yesterday and Mr Entitled’s second visit. It’s 3.45pm and I’m attempting to clean the gallery windows. He spends the next couple of hours following me around, watching and talking as I remove work from walls, paint over dirty patches and wash-up. He has an opinion on everything I do. All negative. At one point, whilst I am up a ladder filling holes in the ceiling, he points out that I have mis-numbered the ‘works list’. I don’t show it, but I'm upset. I typed the list tired, on a Sunday, in my own time. But still, I am annoyed with myself for having made the error. The exhibition is over, so the mistake I hadn’t noticed is no longer relevant. I politely remind him that the gallery closed over an hour ago. He finally gets to the reason he came. He was ‘hoping Ken would be here’ so that he could talk to him about his work. I don’t know for certain, but I suspect that is exactly why Ken wasn’t there. He knows he is going to get bombarded from all directions, when all we want to do is de-install the exhibition. Mr Entitled didn’t care about me getting home at a reasonable time. He had other priorities. For the record, I feel massively uncomfortable approaching Ken about ‘your work’. I don’t want to add to the bombardment.

About 80% of the people who come through the door ask for an exhibition. Some in the first five minutes of their first visit. They don’t even pretend to look at the show. Some don’t even bother to visit the gallery at all. They send a private message to my Instagram account. They think we are friends. My real friends don’t ask for exhibitions, and I love and appreciate them for that.

I don’t know how other small galleries work, but I think I know how Tension works. So here are a few tips, if you are hoping for a show in Penge.

1. Ken must like your work. Look at the website, and read it. Are you a good match? This does not mean your work is bad, just not to Ken’s taste.

2. Do not ask Ken for an exhibition. It annoys him. He does the asking. There have been forty-nine exhibitions at Tension since it opened and only one was given to someone who asked. That particular artist visited and promoted the gallery for two years before making a move. Mark Wallinger has a solo show in May. Believe it or not, he did not ask for it.

3. Do not come to the gallery purely to promote yourself. Especially, during a preview. Read the room. These events are not about YOU. I’m pouring drinks and collecting glasses. Putting your phone in my face, or Ken’s, isn’t appropriate. I can’t see without my glasses, anyway. Also, if either of us disappear into the office at any point it’s because we’re knackered. We’ve been there all day setting-up. We won’t be home until very late that night. We need a five minute breather. This is not your cue to follow us into the office to continue your quest.

4. Don’t ask me to visit your studio. When I politely say, ‘I’m sorry, I’m working that day’ (I work full-time and have family caring responsibilities) don’t reply with, ‘You could come on a Sunday’, because what I’m hearing is, ‘I’m a selfish bastard, and the world revolves around me’. On a Sunday, when I’m finished with all the other life-shite, I make my own art, if I’m lucky. As for Ken, if he wants to visit your studio he will let you know. He hardly has time to visit his own studio, never mind yours.

5. Be part of the Tension family. Come to the talks and actually look at art (the first thing Ken asks is ‘Did they look at the show?’). Put the effort in. Follow the gallery on Instagram. Comment on our posts. Share our posts. Promote the exhibitions/ talks/ coffee mornings. Turner Prize winners aside, this does help. It gets you noticed. It may not get you a solo show (initially) but you might end up being part of a group show. If this happens and you are a diva, you won’t be back, no matter how strong your work.

6. Don’t get upset when Ken doesn’t follow back on Instagram. He hardly follows anyone. Play the long game. If you are persistent with your comments (genuine comments about the post, not me-me-me comments) he will eventually look at your feed. If he likes your work, he may get in touch.

7. Bring us a postcard-sized photo of your work. Write your contact details on the back and a bit about yourself. I keep them in a box and we look at them. At the beginning of 2024 we had an exhibition of a hundred small works. Every invited artist had visited the gallery and left their details, or were Instagram supporters.

The thing is, if you come into the gallery and say you are an artist, we already know you want an exhibition. It’s a given. If you don’t want one, go ahead and ask. Make my day, punk.

The Audience 2024

Newspaper hand-stitched to napkins, gifted by my friend Áine.

76 × 68 cm. Started 1st January 2024, finished 9th February 2025.

For new friends, I have been hand-stitching a newspaper (or other discarded some-such) face each day to record the year, not always successfully, since 2014. This is the 2024 version, obvs.

* The photo credits, below, are as they appear in the articles from which the faces were cut. For the record, I don’t accept the name of a company as a photography credit. There was an actual person behind the camera. If you are that person, or know them, please give me a shout. Also, the information in the articles may be fabricated. I use the Metro newspaper because it is free. I couldn’t afford to make this piece if I bought a more reputable publication every day.

Day 1: Julie Hesmondhalgh Metro 31.12.23. Photo: ITV*

As Suzanne Sercombe in 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office', a drama about the outrageous hounding and wrongful prosecution of thousands of subpostmasters between 1999 and 2015. One of the most appalling miscarriages of justice in UK history. Cut from the TV Listing page.

Day 2: Toby Jones Metro 31.12.23. Photo: ITV*

As Alan Bates in 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office'. As above.

Day 3: Claudia Winkleman Metro 31.12.23. Photo: BBC*

Presenter of The Traitors, a BBC TV programme in which the contestants have to figure out who is lying in order to win a huge cash prize.

Day 4: Sarah Lancashire Metro 31.12.23. Photo: Uncredited. Sky?*

As Julia Child in Julia, a 'much-loved American chef'. Cut from the TV Listings page. Sky Atlantic.

Day 5: Camila Batmanghelidjh, 1963 - 2024 Evening Standard 3.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Social justice campaigner.

Day 6: Les McCann, 1935 - 2023 Metro 3.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Jazz legend.

Day 7: Luke Littler Metro 4.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The youngest ever darts player to reach the final of the World Championship, at the age of 16. Phil Haigh is credited as a source in the article.

Day 8: Alan Bates Metro 5.1.24. Photo: Uncredited. 

Letter from Ian, Glasgow, ('Send Us Your Views' Page) about the huge integrity of Alan Bates from Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance.

Day 9: Suresh Damodharan Metro 8.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A doctor, who has flown from India every Christmas, for the last 11 years, to help the NHS.

Day 10: Gabriel Attal Metro 10.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

France's youngest, and first openly gay, Prime Minister.

Day 11: Maria Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Article by Brooke Davies about the huge miscarriage of justice at the Post Office. The photo is a still, taken from the BBC's Breakfast programme the previous day, when sub-postmasters were sharing their horrific experiences. Maria was one of them. I'm assuming that she didn't want her surname to be broadcast, but said she was from Huddersfield. Her contract was terminated after she paid more than £30,000.

Day 12: Sally Stringer Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Sally ran a small, rural Post Office in Beckford for nearly 20 years. She says, "This is one of the worst miscarriages of justice this country has ever seen." Article as above.

Day 13: Tom Hedges Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Tom ran a Post Office near Skegness. He was there for 16 years until he was dismissed in 2009 and convicted in court in 2010. He says, "It wrecked my life, my family's life and everybody I know." Article as above.

Day 14: Tim Brentnall Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Tim ran a Post Office in Pembrokeshire from 2005, until a shortfall was found in 2009. "I was told that if I didn't repay it, I'd be facing a theft charge. So I raided my savings, my parents' savings, I had to sell my car. And as soon as that was done, I was then charged with false accounting." Article as above.

Day 15: Alison Hall Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Alison ran a Post Office in West Yorkshire. She was suspended in 2010. Article as above.

Day 16: Varchas Patel Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Varchas’ father, whose health is completely shattered, ran a Post Office in Horspath, Oxford, and was wrongfully prosecuted in 2011. Article as above.

Day 17: Parmod Kalia Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*

Parmod paid the Post Office £22,000, was jailed for 6 months, shunned by his community, and attempted to take his own life 3 times after his marriage broke down. Article as above.

Day 18: Jess Kaur Metro 9.1.24. Photo: ITV*

Jess was falsely accused of stealing £11,000 from the Post Office, resulting in a suicide attempt, sectioning and shock therapy.

Day 19: Roy Calne, 1930 - 2024 Metro 8.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Carried out the first successful liver transplant operation in Europe, in 1968.

Day 20: Simon Parkes Metro 18.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Sam Corbishley. Detectives have received fresh information about Simon Parkes, who went missing in 1986.

Day 21: Julia Sawalha Metro 22.1.24. Photo: ITV*

As Bubble in The Masked Singer, an ITV programme in which anonymous celebrities sing in fabulous costumes.

Day 22: Hilary Fleming Metro, 25.1.24. Photo: SWNS*

A retired NHS worker who has worn a different hat every day for three years to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, who twice saved her husband's life.

Day 23: Chris Kapessa, 2006 - 2019 Metro, 23.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article about the death of Chris Kapessa age 13, who drowned after being pushed into a river as a 'prank'.

Day 24: Vanessa Ruck Metro, 24.1.24. SWNS* is credited a different photo in this article.

The first female Brit to finish a 13-day, 3,700 miles bike race across the Saharan sand dunes.

Day 25: Raye Metro, 25.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Alicia Adejobi about the Brit Awards nominations. Raye has received a record seven nominations.

Days 26-28: Grace O’Malley-Kumar, Ian Coates and Barnaby Webber Metro 26.1.24. PA*

Article by Brooke Davies about the fatal stabbings of three people who were getting about their lives, and then they weren't.

Day 29: Jaz Singh Metro, 30.1.24. Photo: Uncredited. BBC?*

Missed out on a prize of  £95K in The Traitors, a BBC TV programme in which the contestants have to figure out who is lying.

Day 30: Cyrus Lueng Metro 31.1.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A 12yo schoolboy with the same IQ as Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Day 31: Jefferson Parlett Metro 31.1.24. SWNS* is credited for a different photo in this article.

Article by Elizabeth Hunter about the first person in the world to get a degree in the clowning craft.

Day 32: David Creamer Metro 1.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A former miner, in agony for 7 months as he was unable to get NHS dental treatment.

Day 33: Gulzarin Iqbal Metro 2.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Tom Sanders, about how Mr Iqbal ran to the aid of a stabbed teacher.

Day 34: Stephanie Bunyan Metro 2.2.24. Photo: Rex*.

Article, by Gergana Krasteva, about a Japanese macaque who spent 5 days on the run from Highland Wildlife Park in the Cairngorms. Honshu, said monkey, was helping himself to Stephanie's bird feeder. 

Day 35: Keagan Kirkby, c1999 - 2024 Metro 6.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

25yo jockey who died after a fall in a race.

Day 36: Ai Weiwei Metro 5.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

He says ‘cancel culture’ in the West is like Mao Zedong's China.

Day 37: Ian Lavender, 1946 - 2024 Metro 6.2.24. Photo: Michael Fresco.

As Frank Pike in the classic BBC sitcom, Dad's Army (by David Croft and Jimmy Perry). The last surviving cast member.

Day 38: Chris Pratt Metro 7.2.24. Photo: SWNS* Lidl*.

Lidl staff member and perfume advert model.

Day 39: Ricard Plaud Metro 8.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Sam Corbishley, about a sculptor who spent 8 years building the Eiffel Tower from matchsticks, only to have his Guinness World Record attempt rejected on a technicality.

Day 40: Henry Fambrough, 1938 - 2024 Metro 9.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Last surviving member of the Detroit Spinners.

Day 41: Hind Rajab, 2018 - 2024  Metro 12.2.24. Photo: AFP*.

Article, by Sara Odeen-Isbister, about how the bodies of Hind, her aunt, uncle and three cousins were found dead in their bullet-riddled car.

Day 42: Jennie Berry Metro 12.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Jennie, a wheelchair user, had to 'shuffle' up a flight of stairs at Dalston Junction Station when the lift was out of order. There was no sign advising her of this in advance. She says this is a common occurrence. However, she was more upset about the appalling treatment she got from staff. TFL says it's being investigated.

Day 43: Stevie Wonder Metro 12.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Rachel O'Connor, about how the Glastonbury lot are trying to get Stevie because they're having trouble getting Madonna.

Day 44: Dead Dawg/ Pablo Grant, 1997 - 2024  Metro 13.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article about the death of rapper and actor, Dead Dawg.

Day 45: Leanne Mohamad London Evening Standard 13.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Rachael Burford, about how pro-Palestinian candidates are working together in London to unseat politicians who do not support a ceasefire. One such candidate, Leanne Mohamad, is campaigning to unseat Wes Streeting.

Day 46: Ralph Sims Metro 15.2.24. Photo: PA*.

Ralph Sims died in 2019 at the age of 65. His death was entirely avoidable. The hospital trust has finally admitted negligence and apologised. Ralph's family say that the best thing they can do now is ensure guidelines and protocols are followed.

Day 47: Lucie Colebeck Metro 16.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Former Team GB gymnast and Cirque du Soleil star, Lucie, has set a world record by doing 36 handsprings in 30 seconds.

Day 48 + 49: Bianca Stigter and Steve McQueen Evening Standard Magazine 9.2.24. Photo: Getty*

Bianca Stigter and Steve McQueen discuss their new film, 'Occupied City', with Ethan Croft.

Day 50: Jimi Famurewa London Evening Standard 28.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Restaurant review in which a meal for two, plus drinks, costs about £170. Jimi is 'Restaurant Writer Of The Year'.

Day 51: Gabriela Rodriguez Metro 20.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Gabriela was sacked after eating a tuna sandwich from a leftover platter at a business meeting at the solicitors' office where she cleaned. She had worked for the company for two years and had an impeccable record.

Day 52: Robin Windsor, 1979 - 2024  Metro 22.2.24. Photo: PA*.

Article, by Josie Copson, about the death of dancer Robin Windsor.

Day 53: Ewen MacIntosh, 1973 - 2024 Metro 22.2.24. Photo: Shutterstock*.

He played ‘Big Keith’ in The Office so beautifully.

Day 54: Hide Takemoto London Evening Standard 28.2.24. Photo: Jeremy Selwyn.

Article, by Ross Lydall, about the return of the TFL Busking Auditions.

Day 55: Yulia Navalnaya Metro 29.2.24. Photo: Reuters*.

The wife of Alexei Navalny, lawyer and Russian opposition leader, says her husband was tortured for 3 years and murdered by Vladimir Putin. Article by Gergana Krasteva.

Day 56: Dave Myers, 1957 - 2024  London Evening Standard 29.2.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Tina Campbell, about the cook and television presenter.

Day 57: Mia Allen Metro 26.2.24. Photo: SWNS*?.

Britain's youngest crane operator.

Day 58 + 59: Steve Whitehouse and Kevin Marriott Metro 29.2.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Article, by Jen Mills, about a binman who helped another binman to save a man, woman and dog from a burning building, and then went on to finish his round.

Day 60: Oliver Campbell Metro 29.2.24. Photo: Cover Images*.

Article, by Sam Corbishley, about a man with learning difficulties who was jailed for life in 1990. The case was 'full of holes' and Mr Campbell was interviewed by police without a solicitor present, and officers may have 'deliberately lied' to him to adduce confessions.

Day 61: John Sheeran Metro 1.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Ed hired the Louvre so his parents could look at the art in private.

Day 62: Justin Welby Metro 5.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The Archbishop of Canterbury wants to repair the damage done by the Church of England's historic links to slavery, but needs more money.

Day 63: Shaquille Graham, 1994 - 2024  Metro 12.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A 'figure of light', who was murdered on the street.

Day 64: Katie Boulter Metro 5.3.24. Photo: Getty*.

Katie Boulter celebrates after winning the San Diego Open. That's tennis. Article by Dave Filmer.

Day 65: Jeff Bezos Metro 6.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Once again the richest person in the world. Net worth: £158 billion.

Day 66: Maria Branyas Morera Metro 5.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

At 117, Maria is the world's oldest person. She says the secret is lots of positivity and staying away from toxic people.

Day 67: Jodie Foster Metro 8.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Another Oscar nomination for Jodie Foster, who is 58 years into the career her mother predicted would be over 20 years ago.

Day 68: Dave Rowntree Metro 8.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The Blur drummer has been announced as Labour's candidate for Mid Sussex at the next General Election.

Day 69: Grace Subathirai Nathan Metro 8.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Ten years since the disappearance of flight MH370, Grace recalls the last phone call with her mother. Article by Sarah Bajc.

Day 70: Irma Garcia Metro 11.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article about the Sussexes visiting the family of Irma Garcia, who was killed in a Texas school shooting in 2022.

Day 71: Norah Jones Metro 11.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

At the age of 44, Norah Jones has won 9 Grammys. Interview by Graeme Green.

Day 72: Da’Vine Joy Randolph Metro 12.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Alicia Adejobi, about this year's Oscar winners. Da'Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.

Day 73: AI Generated Man Metro 5.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Hiyah Zaidi, about how Trump fans are posting AI images to claim the ex-president popular with black voters.

Day 74: Paul Alexander, 1946 - 2024 Metro 14.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Paul ‘lived in an iron lung’ for more than 70 years.

Day 75: Diane Abbott Metro 15.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Letters Page focusing on Frank Lester's racist and misogynistic comments towards Diane Abbott, and about how the tories haven't refunded the millions he has donated to the party.

Day 76: Ben Gojka Metro 15.3.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Article about how Ben kicked his potato waffle habit.

Day 77: Taylor Swift Metro 19.3.24. Photo: SWNS*, Getty* or AFP*.

Article, by Dean Murray, about how 70,000 jumping/dancing fans created earth tremors equalling a 0.8 magnitude quake.

Day 78: Barack Obama Metro 19.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article about the former US President visiting Downing Street.

Day 79: Oprah Winfrey Metro 19.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by John Dunne, about the fat-shaming Oprah had endured for decades, and also about the growing trend of weight management medication.

Day 80: Ann Wilson Metro 20.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

At 82, Britain's oldest barmaid, having poured more than 3 million drinks.

Day 81: Ewan McGregor Metro 23.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

As Mark Renton in Danny Boyle's Trainspotting (1996) from the book by Irvine Welsh. Cinematography by Brian Tufano. TV Listings page, edited by Laurence Phelan.

Day 82: Shelley Duvall Metro 22.3.24. Photo: Rex*

The axe used in The Shining (cinematographer: John Alcott) has sold for £98,000.

Day 83: Karl Wallinger, 1957 - 2024  Metro 23.3.24. Photo: AP*.

Obituary of the musician.

Day 84: Kate Middleton i 23.3.24. Photo: Twitter/ KensingtonRoyal*

The Princess of Wales tells the world she has cancer.

Day 85: Natalia i 23.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Natalia was a vet, now she treats people. From a documentary following a Ukrainian battalion on the front line of the war against Russia (Director - Jamie Roberts; Editor - Kate Spankie; Composer - David Schweitzer; Line Producer - Claire Walker; Executive Producer - Jonathan Smith; Production Company - Hoyo Films Ltd.). TV Listings page, edited by Laurence Phelan. BBC2, Monday 25th March, 2024.

Day 86 Laura Kenny i 23.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Laura is retiring, after 5 Olympic gold medals and 7 World Championship titles.

Day 87: Unnamed Protester Metro 27.3.24. Photo: EPA*.

Demanding the release of India's opposition leader and anti-corruption activist, Arvind Kejriwal, who is being held in custody on corruption charges just in time for the election.

Day 88: Gary the Gorilla Metro 27.3.24. Photo: SWNS?*.

The rear of a fibreglass gorilla, named Gary, has been found in a layby on the A92 in Fife. His face, chest and front have been missing for a year. Article by Jen Mills.

Day 89: Michael Copeland Metro 27.3.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Campaigner for mental health, climbed Kilimanjaro (and other mountains) with a fridge strapped to his back.

Day 90 + 91: Miguel Luna and Maynor Suazo Metro 28.3.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Construction workers who were fixing potholes when a container ship crashed into the Key Bridge in Baltimore. Presumed dead. Article by Gergana Krasteva.

Day 92: Mo Ali Metro 2.4.24. Photo: Open Bionics*/SWNS*?

The first person to receive 3D printed bionic fingers. Mo had four fingers amputated following a childhood accident. Article by Katie Boyden.

Day 93:JK Rowling Metro 2.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Rowling dares police to arrest her as she lashes out at hate crime law'.

Days 94 - 100: Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, Lalzawmi (Zomi) Frankcom, Damian Sobol, Jacob Flickinger, John Chapman, James (Jim) Henderson and James Kirby World Central Kitchen workers, killed in Gaza. Article by Liam Coleman. Metro 4.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 101: Juan Vincente Perez Mora, world's oldest man, 1909 - 2024 Metro 4.4.24.

Photo: Uncredited.

Day 102: Rick Slayman Metro 5.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

‘First patient to receive a genetically modified pig kidney is out of hospital'.

Day 103: Unnamed Member of the Garde Republicaine Metro 9.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

'Troops swapped places in Paris and London to celebrate 120 years since the Entente Cordiale was signed'.

Day 104: Ruwaida Adan, 2009 - 2024 Metro 11.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

'None of the go-karts had undergone the required daily checks'. Article by Danny Rigg.

Day 105: Unnamed Police Officer Metro 12.4.24. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA.

‘A ring of steel has been thrown up around Aintree racecourse as police ramp up security to protect the Grand National from protesters'. Article by Sam Corbishley.

Day 106: Mister Cee, producer and DJ, 1966 - 2024 Metro 12.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 107: Daisy Cooper Metro 15.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Sewage is leaking into hospitals.

Day 108: Susanna Vaughan Metro 16.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Susanna's father, Joseph Lynch, has been 'dug up and placed in a bone hole'. Article by Kirsten Robertson.

Day 109: Alina Mykolaets, 1999 - 2024. A police officer killed by Russian bombing.

Metro 19.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 110: Karim Mussilhy Metro 19.4.24. Photo: Getty*?

Grenfell Tower has been edited out of a scene in an advert.

Day 111: Brian Andrews i 20.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Britain's oldest lollipop man has retired at 86. Article by Izzy Hawksworth.

Day 112: Lloyd Martin i 20.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

19-year-old getting ready to run the London Marathon. 'If I get tired or sore, I'll just keep going or I'll probably take a break for a few minutes, then rethink and then get running again'. Article by Kimberley Mannion.

Day 113: Eleanor Coppola, 1936 - 2024, documentary maker. Obituary by Veronica Lee.

i 20.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 114: Chris King, 1991 - 2024, rapper. Metro 23.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 115: Jess Carter Metro 24.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Jessy Parker Humphreys, about how Chelsea have become the first football team in 5 years to beat Barcelona at home.

Days 116 - 120: Miriam Haley, Jessica Mann, Annabella Sciorra, Dawn Dunning and Tarale Wulff

Metro 26.4.24.Photo: Getty?* Article, by Brooke Johnson, about appeal judges ruling that Harvey Weinstein did not get a fair trial.

Day 121: Humza Yousaf Metro 26.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Katrine Bussey, about the SNP pulling out of its agreement with the Green Party.

Day 122: Esther Rantzen Metro 30.4.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Esther continues her campaign to change assisted dying laws.

Day 123: Stormzy London Evening Standard 2.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Stormzy has opened a football centre with a recording studio in Croydon to provide opportunities for young Londoners. The space will be managed by the Communities First Foundation Charity with investment from Adidas and continues the Merky FC careers programme set up by Stormzy and Adidas.

Day 124: Daniel Anjorin Metro 3.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

RIP Daniel Anjorin, aged 14, murdered as he walked to school.

Day 125: Kris Hallenga, 1985 - 2024 breast cancer activist and charity founder. Metro 7.5.24.

Photo: Uncredited.

Day 126: Ncuti Gatwa London Evening Standard 9.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The new Doctor.

Day 127: Henry De Los Rios Polania London Evening Standard 9.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Henry suffered serious hand injuries while fighting off an attacker who burst into his home brandishing a Samurai sword.

Day 128: Patrick Grant London Evening Standard 9.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

He says that the Prime Minister should champion local makers and stop wearing global brands.

Day 129: Opal Sandy London Evening Standard 9.5.24. Photo: PA*.

Opal 'born completely deaf can now hear after having world-leading gene therapy in a trial at an NHS hospital'.

Day 130: Tony Hudgell Metro 10.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Tony missed the Palace Garden Party because he was stuck in traffic, but the King's people said he can come to the next one instead.

Day 131: Karim Kabore i 11.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Karim is cycling around Africa to raise awareness of environmental issues. Article by Charles Pensulo.

Day 132: Didier Drogba i 11.5.24. Photo: Sylvain Thomas.

Drogba lights the Olympic Cauldron in Marseille.

Day 133: Sangita Myska i 11.5.24. Photo: Uncredited. LBC*?

People are wondering what has happened to her.

Day 134: Roger Newman Metro 13.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Roger, who has haemophilia, was given infected blood between the ages of 8 and 10. Article about the Plasma Scandal by Noora Mykkanen.

Day 135: Susan Backlinie 1946 - 2024  actor and stuntwoman. Metro 14.5.24. Photo: Getty/Rex*.

Day 136: Gudrun Ure, 1926 - 2024 Super Gran. Metro 16.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 137: Gina Reinhart Metro 17.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Mining magnate, Gina Reinhart, wants her portrait (by Vincent Namatjira) removed from a gallery to which she donates cash, because the artist has given her a double chin.

Day 138: Oscar Wilde Metro 17.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Computers can now detect sarcasm. Article by Stephen Beech.

Day 139: Shirley Conran, 1932 - 2024  author and designer. i 18.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Obituary by Tom Nicholson.

Day 140: Paul McCartney i 18.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

McCartney has become the first billionaire musician from the UK, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

Day 141: Asian Hornet Metro 20.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The Asian Hornet is putting 'bees' lives at risk' and you can report them via the Asian Hornet Watch App.

Day 142: Unnamed Protester Metro 20.5.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Water companies continue to release raw sewage into our seas and rivers.

Day 143: Lee Turton Metro 21.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Jen Mills about a report revealing 'how the infected blood scandal, that killed 3,000 people and ruined the lives of many more, could have been avoided - and was hidden for decades in a subtle, pervasive and chilling cover-up'.

Day 144: Johnita Kossiwa Dogby, 1993 - 2024 Randomly murdered as she walked through a park in daylight. Metro 24.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 145: Leah Harrison Metro 24.5.24. Photo: SWNS*.

RIP Leah Harrison, a Year 6 pupil, who died in a mudslide on a school trip. Article by Katie Boyden.

Day 146: Abby Lampe Metro 28.5.24. Photo: PA*. 

Winner of the Women's Cheese Rolling Race in Gloucester.

Day 147: Kazeema Asfal Metro 28.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A mental health nurse who nearly died when a patient throttled her with the drawstring of a hoodie.

Day 148: Helena Wong Metro 31.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Former lawmaker, convicted in a Hong Kong court, for her role in an unofficial election in 2020.

Day 149: Barry Sloane London Evening Standard 30.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

As Yosser Hughes in Boys From The Blackstuff (by Alan Bleasdale, 1982) currently showing at the National Theatre (stage adaptation by James Graham, produced by Kate Wasserberg). Review by Nick Curtis.

Day 150: Simon Girma Metro 29.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Simon has won the National Dunking Championship with a Chocolate Hobnob.

Day 151: Mabel Metro 29.5.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Mabel has 'released a T-shirt to benefit Grenfell'.

Day 152: Rishi Sunak Metro 31.5.24. Photo: Leon Neal.

Article by Sarah Hooper about the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, reluctance to answer questions about tax. And he 'accidentally' posed for a photograph which made him look like Mickey Mouse.

Day 153: Andrew Malkinson i 1.6.24. Photo: BBC*?

A security guard who spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit'. TV listings page, 'The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars'.

Day 154: RIP Jeanne Bisgood, 1923 - 2024 golfer. i 1.6.24. Obituary by Veronica Lee. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 155: Claire Waxman i 1.6.24. Photo: Caroline Teo. Article by Lizzie Dearden.

Victims Commissioner for London. She is worried about potential further offences committed by high-risk prisoners being granted early release from prison.

Day 156: Claudia Sheinbaum Metro 4.6.24. Photo: AP*.

Mexico's first female president. Article by Tom Sanders.

Day 157: Cecil Farley Metro 4.6.24. Photo: PA*.

'The first patient in England to receive an artificial cornea'.

Day 158: RIP Jeanette Charles, 1927 - 2024 actor. As Queen Elizabeth II in Naked Gun. Cinematographer: Robert M. Stevens. Metro 6.6.24. Photo: Alamy*.

Day 159: Dionne Brown Metro 7.6.24. Photo: Eljay Briss/ Channel 4/ Rex/ Cosmopolitan UK*.

As Queenie Jenkins in Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams.

Day 160: RIP Michael Moseley, 1957 - 2024 doctor, journalist, writer, producer, presenter.

Observer 9.6.24. Article by Helena Smith and Clea Skopeliti. Photo: Ken McKay.

Day 161: Me Observer 9.6.24. Article about me by Alice Fisher. Photo: Michelle Richards.

Day 162: Olga Brown Observer 9.6.24. Photo: Mucem Marseille*.

Paris circus star, drawn and painted by Degas many times. Review, by Laura Cumming, of an exhibition at the National Gallery.

Day 163: Eli Ink Metro 11.6.24. Photo: Uncredited. 98% of his body has been tattooed

Day 164: Unnamed Elephant Metro 11.6.24. Photo: Uncredited. Elephants have names for each other.

Day 165 + 166: RIP Jonathan Collins and Neil Moon pest control workers found frozen to death in a chicken factory. 'Norfolk police confirmed that two companies - Banham Poultry Ltd and Air Products PLC - faced charges of corporate manslaughter'. Metro 14.6.24. Article by Brooke Davies. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 167: Craig Ferguson Metro 14.6.24. Article by Sarah Hooper. Photo: Uncredited.

'He set off from Glasgow and trampled across five countries in 41 days on his 1,000 mile journey to raise money for men's mental health charities - and received a hero's welcome' when he arrived in Germany to watch the Scotland football team play in the Euros.

Day 168: Cor Hutton Metro 17.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A quadruple amputee, who set up the charity - Finding Your Feet - is tackling the 26-mile Inca Trail.

Day 169: Stephen Lawrence Metro 19.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

‘Four retired detectives who probed Stephen Lawrence's murder should not face criminal charges, a review concluded'.

Day 170: Carol Higgins Metro 19.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

She reported her father, who repeatedly raped her, to the West Yorkshire Police five times between 1984 to 2015. He was finally jailed for 20 years in 2019.

Day 171: Michelle Wibowo Metro 21.6.24.Art icle by Isobel Williams. Photo: Pinpep/ SWNS*.

Michelle makes sushi sculptures of celebrities like Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Alison Hammond. Article by Isobel Williams.

Day 172: Lystra Adams Metro 21.6.21. Photo: PA*.

‘The Real Housewives of Cheshire star' went to Royal Ascot wearing a huge hat, which I've had to trim for technical reasons.

Day 173: RIP Jay Slater, 2005 - 2024 Metro 21.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 174, 175 + 176: Ted Dixon, Kieran Wood and Frankie Smith Metro 25.6.24. Article by Sam Montgomery. Photo: SWNS*.

‘Three teenagers have been praised by police for pulling a suicidal man out of the path of an oncoming train.'

Day 177 + 178: Coco and Juno Metro 19.6.24. Article by Danny Rigg. Photo: Nikki O’Carroll SWNS.

Dogs who have travelled all over Europe.

Day 179: M.I.A. Metro 27.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

She has launched a conspiracy-laden clothing line. 'The £80 tin-foil hat has 100% brain coverage'  and the '£160 silver poncho protects from nanoparticles’.

Day 180: RIP Patrick Dispoto who died trying to save kids in a storm. Metro 28.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 181: Yoshiharu Watanabe Metro 28.6.24. Photo: Ella Millward. He has developed a 36-leaf clover.

Day 182: RIP Bill Cobbs, 1934 - 2024 actor. Metro 28.6.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 183: Ed Davey Metro 1.7.24. Photo: Matthew Horwood.

‘Ed Davey takes part in an aqua aerobics session while on the campaign trail ahead of the General Election'.

Day 184: Nancy Strong Metro 2.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

‘Taylor Swift's oldest fan who flew 5,000 miles to see the star perform twice - at age 90'.

Day 185: Andy Murray Metro 3.7.24. Photo: PA*.

'Andy Murray's hopes of a fitting farewell to Wimbledon were dashed when the two-time champion was forced to withdraw through injury'.

Day 186: Khalifa Aminu Metro 4.7.24. Photo: Getty*.

Khalifa, a Nigerian schoolboy, has designed glasses to help blind people carry out their daily tasks. 'His specs have ultrasonic and infrared sensors that quickly detect approaching objects and can activate an alarm system'.

Day 187: Sofia Hayat Metro 5.7.24. Photo: SWNS*.

The British Bollywood actress says she was detained in Dubai for two months after she ‘threatened to post about a row on social media'. The British Embassy in Dubai did not respond to a request for comment. Article by Laura Harman.

Day 188: Keir Starmer Metro 6.7.24. Photo: Reuters*. The UK has a new Prime Minister.

Article by Arj Singh, Chloe Chaplain and Kitty Donaldson.

Day 189: Carlo Acutis i 6.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A 15 year old boy, who died in 2006, might be made the first millennial saint, on account of a couple of miracles he has done. Article by James Imam.

Day 190: Rachel Reeves Metro 9.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The new Chancellor 'has lifted restrictions stopping builders using greenbelt land for development in an attempt to kickstart the economy'. Article by Danny Rigg.

Day 191: Adelaide Hall Metro 9.7.24. Photo: Uncredited (1973).

The 'real first lady of jazz' is to be honoured with a blue plaque.

Day 192: Unnamed magnificent tree frog Metro 11.7.24. Photo: SWNS*.

A blue magnificent tree frog has been found in Kimberley, Western Australia. It's unusual because they are normally green.

Day 193: Unnamed cymbals player i 13.7.24. Photo: Brian Lawless.

'Marchers and band members take part in an Orange Order parade in Belfast'.

Day 194: RIP Rob Burrow, 1982 - 2024 rugby player and MND campaigner. i 13.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 195: Sloane Stephens i 13.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The former US Open tennis champion has called for players' rankings to be protected if they choose to freeze their eggs.

Day 196: Harry Kane Metro 15.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

'Agony for England as Euros final ends in heartbreak.'

Day 197: Jack Thompson Metro 15.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A 'blind student with a brain tumour is to take on a skydive as his final daring charity pursuit before his exams.'

Day 198: RIP Corey Comperatore, 1974 - 2024 The 'bystander killed during an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.' Metro 16.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Days 199 + 200: Jessica Oliver and Charlotte Harris Metro 18.7.24. Photo: SWNS/Team Wild Waves*.

The best pals smashed the record of rowing across the Atlantic (2,800 miles) by 9 days.

Article by Elizabeth Hunter.

Day 201: Dr Rosemary Fowler Metro 22.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

In 1948, Rosemary's findings paved the way for discoveries that would rewrite the laws of physics. Now 98, she has been given an honorary doctorate, having given up her PhD 75 years ago to have a family.

Day 202: Christina Assi Metro 22.7.24. Photo: Getty*.

Assi, wounded in an Israeli air strike, 'carries the Olympic torch in Paris to honour journalists killed in the field'.

Days 203 + 204: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Metro 22.7.24. Photo: Getty/ AP*

The 81-year-old, self-isolating with Covid, wrote on X, 'It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term'. Kamala Harris is in line to take over as the Democrat candidate to face Donald Trump in November. Article by Will Neal.

Day 205: Christine Ohuruogu Metro 18.7.24. Photo: Andy Hooper.

The former Olympic champion 'was painted head to toe in gold as part of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's campaign to highlight the link between dairy, red meat and sporting excellence'.

Day 206: Beau Greaves Metro 22.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Retained her Women's World Matchplay darts title.

Day 207: Doreen Lawrence London Evening Standard 25.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A 'man suspected of the murder of Stephen Lawrence was not investigated after telling the Metropolitan Police that he had a "girlfriend" who was still at school.' Article by Tristan Kirk.

Day 208: Charli XCX London Evening Standard 25.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Female acts dominate this year's Mercury Prize shortlist. Charli XCX has been nominated for Brat.

Article by Robert Dex.

Day 209: Kikuyo Nakamura i 27.7.24. Photo: Uncredited. BBC*?

One of the dwindling number of survivors of the Nagasaki bombing. Part of a BBC documentary 'ahead of the 80th anniversary'. TV listings page (some missing text).

Day 210: Sarah Vaughan i 27.7.24. Photo: Uncredited. BBC*? Cut from the TV listings page.

'The great American jazz singer was born 100 years ago and this live prom is an anniversary tribute.'

Day 211: Simone Biles Metro 29.7.24. Photo: AP*.

Simone Biles performs her jaw-dropping gymnastics. The 'hottest ticket at the Paris Olympics'.

Article by James Goldman.

Day 212: RIP Edna O'Brien, 1930 - 2024 writer. Metro 30.7.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 213: Unnamed Protester Metro 31.7.24. Photo: Getty*.

People in Venezuela are protesting on account of the presidential election being rigged.

Day 214: Reece Wilton Metro 1.8.24. Photo: PA*.  Article by Sarah Hooper.

A boy of seven was delighted to become the first patient in the UK to have robotic surgery for a kidney condition'.

Day 215: ‘Screaming Woman’ Mummy Metro 2.8.24. Photo: SWNS*.

An Egyptian woman, who died 3,500 years ago, was mummified with a contorted face. This may or may not mean she died in agony.

Day 216: Steve Wainwright Metro 2.8.24. Photo: SWNS*. Article by Katie Boyden.

After retiring from the ambulance service, Steve now creates giant household objects.

Day 217: RIP Pavel Kushnir, 1984 - 2024 pianist who died in custody after criticising Putin.

Metro 6.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 218: Cedric Mitchell Metro 6.8.24. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Charles Thomas.

Cedric has been missing in Jamaica for over a year.

Day 219: Bridget Saric Metro 6.8.24. Photo: SWNS*. Article by Sarah Hooper.

Bridget has seen Taylor Swift nine times in four countries.

Day 220: Narinder Kaur Metro 7.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Narinder says she is scared when her son and daughter leave the house, after fascist riots in the UK.

Days 221 + 222: Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams Metro 9.8.24. Photo: NASA.

Two astronauts, who went to the Space Station for a week, are stranded in Space until February 2025.

Day 223: Ksenia Khavana Metro 16.8.24. Photo: AFP*. Article by Gergana Krasteva.

Former Russian ballet dancer 'who gave £40 to Ukraine charity jailed for treason'.

Day 224: Keely Hodgkinson London Evening Standard 13.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Matt Majendie and Malik Ouzia.

Keely won a gold medal (800m race) at the Paris Olympics.

Day 225: Banksy’s Rhino Metro 13.8.24. Photo: @SAMC2586. Article by Miriam Burrell.

One of the Banksy animals to recently escape from London Zoo. Half-inched shortly afterwards, of course.

Day 226: Paul Spiers London Evening Standard 13.8.24 + 20.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A massive number of Beckenham residents have 'chipped in to send Paul Spiers, 63, on a summer break' to Portugal. However, his boss at Veolia (Bromley Council contractor) said he couldn't accept it. However, On The Beach (online travel agent) stepped in and gave him the holiday, anyway. He had the time of his life with his brother Dave. Veolia has donated the money to charity according to the Evening Standard. Articles by Rachel Burford and Jasper King.

Day 227: Arezoo Badri Metro 15.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Shot by Iranian police over an alleged violation of the hijab rules. She may never walk again.

Days 228 + 229: Michael Smith and Jack Stacy Metro 16.8.24. Photo: PA*.

Michael Smith, who is registered blind, will be tethered to Jack Stacy while they tackle 24 Lake District peaks in 24 hours' for the charity SeeAbility.

Day 230: RIP Gena Rowlands, 1930 - 2024 actor. Metro 16.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 231: Hank Metro 19.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

A rottweiler got his head stuck in a cat flap and had to be rescued by the Fire Brigade.

Day 232: Natalie Cassidy Metro 19.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Natalie has asked mothers what their 'truly honest out of the office messages' would be. They are much more restrained than I was expecting.

Day 233: Olivia Gotts Metro 20.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Olivia was one of a few NHS workers 'who shielded a man from a racist thug'.

Day 234: RIP Recaldo Thomas chef on a sunken superyacht. Metro 21.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 235: Esperance Fuerzina Metro 23.8.24. Photo: Guinness World Records*.

The world's most tattooed woman.

Day 236: Danny Davey Metro 23.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Passed his GCSE English at the age of 73.

Day 237: Janusz Racz Metro 23.8.24. Photo: PA*.

Janusz was the first person in the UK to receive a 'new jab that primes the immune system to recognise and fight lung cancer'.

Day 238: Victoria Siddall London Evening Standard 29.8.24. Article by John Dunne. Photo: Uncredited.

First female boss of the National Portrait Gallery.

Day 239: RIP Sven-Goran Eriksson, 1948 - 2024 first foreign manager of the England men's football team. Metro 27.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 240: RIP Ryan Evans, c1986 - 2024 safety advisor for Reuters, killed during the bombing of Ukraine. Metro 27.8.24. Photo: Reuters*. Article by Craig Munro.

Day 241: Spencer Matthews Metro 28.8.24. Photo: Uncredited.

He ran 786 miles through the Jordanian desert, in unimaginable heat, to raise funds for Global's Make Some Noise.

Days 242 + 243: Liam and Noel Gallagher Metro 30.8.24. Photo: PA*. Article by Danni Scott.

Very expensive tickets for Oasis, and that's before the dynamic pricing kicked in.

Day 244: Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice Metro 30.8.24. Photo: Warner Bros/ AP*.

Tim Burton has made a sequel, 36 years after the original film, which I've yet to see.

Days 245 - 250: RIP Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lobanov, Carmel Gatwa and Ori Danino, six Israeli hostages found dead in a tunnel in Gaza. Metro 2.9.24. Photo: Getty*.

Article by Danny Rigg.

Days 251 + 252: Danielle Adams and Jamilla Fletcher Metro 5.9.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Part of the first all-female, all-black train crew.

Day 253: RIP Rebecca Cheptegei, 1991 - 2024, Olympic athlete burned to death by her boyfriend.

Metro 6.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 254: Ngā Wai hono i te pō Metro 6.9.24. Photo: Uncredited. A new Māori queen is crowned.

Day 255: RIP James Earl Jones, 1931 - 2024, actor  Metro 11.9.24. Photo: AP*.

Day 256: Harry Jamieson Metro 12.9.24. Photo: SWNS*. Retiring, after 50 years of making fishing rods.

Day 257: Jared Isaacman Metro 13.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The only non-professional astronaut ever to step outside a craft in orbit. A billionaire, obvs.

Day 258: Jack White Metro 11.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The White Stripes are suing Donald Trump for using their song Seven Nation Army in a social media post.

Day 259: Kate Lampard Metro 10.9.24. Photo: Uncredited. PA*?

The Lampard Inquiry will aim to understand what happened to patients (more than 2,000) who died at children and adult inpatient units, under the care of the NHS in Essex, between the years 2000 and the end of 2023. Article by Sam Russell.

Day 260: Linda Thomas-Greenfield Metro 18.9.24. Photo: Getty*.

The US ambassador to the UN told the Un Security Council there was 'no basis' for Israeli forces 'to be opening fire on clearly marked UN vehicles'.

Day 261: RIP Jessica Bonner, 'died from sepsis three days after undergoing a hysterectomy where surgeons used equipment not approved by the NHS.' Metro 17.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Ed Chatterton.

Day 262: Vivek Trivedi Metro 18.9.24. Photo: PA*.

Junior doctors, who were being paid about £15 an hour, will now get about £17 per hour, a 22.3% pay rise.

Day 263: Paul Robinson Metro 7.9.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Paul has set a new record for the Enduroman Arch to Arc triathlon. He ran, swam and cycled 289 miles from Marble Arch to the Arc de Triomphe.

Day 264: Azza Yehia i 21.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Azza is in Beirut caring for her mother, who doesn't have a visa to go to any other country. She says she is 'always operating on the assumption that any day shit will hit the fan.' Article by Rami Abukalam.

Days 265 + 266: Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse i 21.9.24. Photo: BBC*.

Possibly the best thing the BBC have given us in ages - Gone Fishing. Cut from the TV Listings page.

Day 267: Claire Lister Metro 23.9.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Claire has won the Women's World Gurning Crown 8 years in a row. Article by Imogen Howse.

Day 268: Jolyn Mitchell Metro 24.9.24. Photo: Uncredited. Born into a religious cult.

Day 269: RIP Keith Brown, sandwich maker. Metro 25.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Sam Corbishley.

Day 270: Shigeru Ishiba Japan's new leader. i 28.9.24. Photo: Reuters*.

Article by Leika Kihara and Makiko Yamazaki.

Day 271: Oliver Bromley Metro 27.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Oliver 'was thrown out of a restaurant when staff claimed his facial disfigurement was scaring customers'.

Day 272: RIP Maggie Smith, 1934 - 2024, actor. Metro 28.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Joe Duggan.

Day 273: RIP Camilla Carr, 1958 - 2024, aid worker. Metro 28.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Veronica Lee.

Day 274: RIP Shawn Seesahai, c2005 - 2024, future engineer. Metro 28.9.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article by Alannah Francis.

Day 275: Victoria Lupton Metro 2.10.24. Photo: PA*. Waiting to escape Lebanon.

Day 276: RIP Micah Drye, aged 6, died when floods submerged his house.

Metro 2.10.24. Photo: Reuters*.

Day 277: Letitia Wright Metro 3.10.24. Photo: Elle UK/ Christina Ebenezer.

She 'wanted to have a seat at the table'.

Day 278: József Váradi Metro 4.10.24. Photo: uncredited. £2.1m bonus.

Day 279: Girish Jani Metro: 4.10.24. Photo: Uncredited. Retiring after 50 years of train driving.

Day 280: Emily Damari Metro: 7.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The 'only UK hostage who remains captive' in Gaza.

Day 281: Mark Squires Metro: 7.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

He fixes pinball machines, and has a four-and-a-half year waiting list.

Day 282: Alexandre Lavet Metro: 9.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

The artist spent days meticulously hand-painting artwork to look like cans of Belgian beer, only to have them mistaken for rubbish and thrown in the bin. Article by Gergana Krasteva.

Day 283: RIP Cissy Houston, 1933 - 2024  gospel singer.Metro: 9.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 284: Rachel Gunn Metro: 11.10.24. Article by Katie Boyden. Photo: Getty*.

Breakdancing can leave you with a cone-shaped head.

Day 285: Vicky Flind Metro: 11.10.24. Photo: Uncredited. Hew Edwards' wife files for divorce.

Day 286: RIP Sara Sharif, 2013 - 2023 subjected to horrific abuse.

Metro: 16.10.24. Article by Sara Hooper. Photo: Police/PA*.

Day 287: Chloe Haywood Metro: 14.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Article, by Sarah Ingram, about Chloe's ethical ethos, her pre-loved garments business and her textile waste collection service. I met Chloe a decade ago (I'm guessing) at an upcycling event in London. We have been friends ever since and I'm over the moon to be stitching her beautiful face.

Day 288: Renee Tyers Metro: 14.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

One of nearly 70 gardeners being evicted from allotments established in 1894.

Day 289: Dawn Sturgess Metro: 15.10.24. Article by Sarah Hooper. Photo: PA/ Rex*.

Murdered by poisoning in 2018.

Day 290: RIP Ka, 1972 - 2024  rapper and firefighter. Metro: 16.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 291: Nigel Howell Metro: 3.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Aims to hike up 214 Lake District peaks carrying a hod of bricks.

Day 292: RIP Ethel Kennedy, 1928 - 2024 human rights advocate. Metro: 18.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 293: Joe Wardman Metro: 21.10.24. Photo: SWNS*. The 'world's oldest paperboy' retires at 82.

Day 294: David Poole Metro: 21.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Was left stranded when a bus 'sailed straight past' him and his 82yo wife. He took Arriva to court when they failed to pay his cab fare. He would have dropped the whole thing for an apology.

Day 295: Sunil Patel Metro: 21.10.24. Article by Sara Odeen-Isbister. Photo: Uncredited.

The former postmaster spent nine months in prison after being wrongly convicted during the Post Office/ Horizon IT scandal. He has turned down compensation of £600k.

Day 296: Lidia Thorpe Metro: 22.10.24. Article by Tom Sanders. Photo: Reuters*.

An 'Aboriginal Australian' said 'You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us. Our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our lives. Give us a treaty', to King Prince Charles when he was getting about his royal business down under.

Day 297: RIP Liam Payne, 1993 - 2024 singer and songwriter.

Metro: 23.10.24. Article by Pierra Willix and Danni Scott. Photo: PA*.

Day 298: Isabel Wilkins Metro: 24.10.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Isabel 'has won a freestyle football world championship for a second time'.

Day 299: RIP Geoff Capes, 1949 - 2024 strongman and budgerigar breeder.

Metro: 24.10.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 300: Nigella Lawson Metro: 30.10.24. Photo: Uncredited. The 'new face of Greggs'.

Day 301: RIP Teri Garr, 1944 - 2024 actor.  Metro: 31.10.24. Photo: Getty/ Warner*.

Day 302: Mark Cranston Metro: 30.10.24. Photo: SWNS*.

He has a collection of 4,000 bricks, 'rarities include a fire brick from SS Politician which ran aground in 1941 with 260,000 bottles of Scotch, inspiring the novel and film Whisky Galore!'

Day 303: Aitana Bonmati Metro: 30.10.24. Article by James Goldman. Photo: Uncredited.

She won the women's Ballon d'Or for the second year running.

Day 304: Ticketmaster Effigy Metro: 31.10.24. Photo: PA*.

A giant figure mocking the Oasis ticketing fiasco has been unveiled by a Kent town (Edenbridge) for its Bonfire Night effigy'.

Day 305: Isabel Eriksson Metro: 31.10.24. Article by Emma Lewis. Photo: Uncredited.

A woman (not her real name) who was drugged, kidnapped and locked in a bunker by a man in Sweden.

Day 306: RIP Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, died aged 9 from a pollution-linked asthma attack

Metro: 1.11.24. Article by Emily Beamont. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 307: B.dacnis flea toad The world's second-smallest vertebrate. Just discovered.

Metro: 1.11.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Day 308: Heather Walker Builder. Metro: 1.11.24.Photo: SWNS*.

Day 309: King Felipe of Spain  Unprepared for devastating flash floods that have killed at least 204 people and many still missing. Metro: 4.11.24. Article by Noora Mykkanen. Photo: AFP*.

Day 310: RIP Dr Paul Stephenson, civil rights campaigner, 1937 - 2024

Metro: 5.11.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 311: RIP Quincy Jones, musical genius, 1933 - 2024 Metro: 5.11.24. Photo: Uncredited

Day 312: Usha Chilukuri Vance Trump wins the US presidential election by a lot.

Article by Jessica Kwong. Metro: 7.11.24. Photo: Getty*.

Day 313: Merlin A vet has performed a 'first of its kind' operation to remove a tumour from a goldfish.

Metro: 8.11.24. Article by Adam Dutton. Photo: SWNS*.

Day 314: Susie Wiles First woman appointed as White House chief of staff.

i 9.11.24. Article by Ben Mckelvey. Photo: Reuters*.

Day 315: Salman Rushdie 30-year ban on Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses' lifted.

i 9.11.24. Article by Shivam Patel. Photo: Reuters*.

Day 316: Chris McCausland Chris, a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, 'wowed with a dance (with Diane Buswell) that included a blackout, to reflect his blindness'.

Metro: 11.11.24. Photo: BBC*.

Day 317 + 318: Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes Police Officers, killed in the line of duty.

i 9.11.24. Article by Sam Hall. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 319: RIP Roy Haynes, drummer and jazz icon, 1925 - 2024 Metro: 14.11.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 320: RIP Timothy West, actor, 1934 - 2024 Metro: 14.11.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 321: Coleen Rooney The 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here' contestants are announced. Coleen will take home £5m. Allegedly. Metro: 12.11.24. Photo: ITV*.

Day 322: Maya Rudolph Kamala Harris impersonator on Saturday Night Live.

Metro: 4.11.24. Photo: Reuters/ AFP*.

Day 323: Steven Faughnan had 'the entire away end of a stadium to himself when he travelled to Italy to watch his favourite team'. Metro: 8.11.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Day 324: Xi jinping The Chinese President at the G20 summit in Rio De Janeiro.

Metro: 19.11.24. Article by Caitlin Doherty. Photo: PA*.

Day 325: RIP John Prescott, giant of British politics, 1938 - 2024

Metro: 22.11.24. Obituary by Brooke Davies. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 326: Pauline Prescott Supported her husband, John Prescott, through university with her hairdresser's wages. Metro: 22.11.24. From John's obituary by Brooke Davies. Photo: Uncredited

Day 327: Cary Grant A new blue plaque in Bristol for 'suave film icon'.

Metro: 22.11.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 328: RIP Barbara Taylor Bradford, writer, 1933 - 2024  Metro: 26.11.24. Photo: Uncredited

Day 329: Krish Arora smarter than Einstein, and he's only 10.

Metro: 26.11.24. Article by Gethin Hicks. Photo: W8 Media*.

Days 330 - 332: RIP Rachel McDaid, Mayawati Bracken and Tara Kershaw, murdered by their partners Metro: 26.11.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 333: RIP John Tinniswood, the world's oldest man and lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, 1912 - 2024 Metro: 27.11.24. Photo: Guinness World Records/ PA*.

Day 334: Asako Yuzuki Author of 'Butter', Waterstones' Book of the Year 2024.

Metro: 28.11.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 335: Unnamed woman, Lebanon Thousands of people head home 'to ruins of Lebanon as ceasefire takes effect'. Metro: 28.11.24. Article by Katie Boyden. Photo: Anwar Amro/ Getty.

Day 336: Melanie Sykes The Metro (4.12.24) says her encounter with Gregg Wallace on Celebrity Masterchef made her quit her TV career. Sykes says this is baloney and buy her book. Photo: Uncredited

Day 337: Arthur Weekley The 4yo can identify the flags of 195 countries.

Metro 5.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 338: Luigi Mangione Shot dead Brian Thompson, a health insurance CEO, on account of healthcare companies putting profit before people. Metro 10.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 339: Wonga Woman Winner of the Turnip Prize 2024.

Metro 5.12.24. Article by Lauren Beavis. Photo: SWNS*.

Day 340: Jasleen Kaur Winner of the Turner Prize 2024.

Metro 5.12.24. Article by Lauren Beavis. Photo: SWNS*.

Day 341: Narges Mohammadi  Iran has 'temporarily freed' the Nobel Prize laureate from prison on medical grounds. Metro 6.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 342: Danny Jones Winner of 'I'm a Celebrity...' 2024.

Article by Ruth Lawes. Metro 10.12.24. Photo: Shutterstock*.

Day 343: Tom Daley He has knitted a Christmas jumper warning of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Metro 9.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 344: Asma al-Assad She did a degree in computer science in London, followed by a career in investment banking, before becoming a dictator's wife in Syria. Metro 10.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 345: Unnamed Man holding a noose in Sednaya prison, Syria. Metro 10.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 346: Gisèle Pelicot Taken from the 'Letters Page'. Letter from Gill Watson, from Brixton, explaining why Gisele Pelicot should be Time magazine's Person Of The Year. Metro 13.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 347: Nigel Richards Nigel has won the Spanish Scrabble World Championship despite not being able to speak Spanish. Metro 13.12.24. Article by Joseph Wilson. Photo: AP*.

Day 348: Brenda Blethyn As DCI Vera Stanhope in the ITV drama by Ann Cleeves. It's coming to an end after 13 years, 14 series and 56 episodes. Metro 13.12.24. Article by Paul Simper. Photo: ITV.

Day 349: Dianne Buswell Winner of Strictly 2024, along with Chris McCausland (316).

Metro 16.12.24. Photo: BBC*.

Day 350: Grace Dent Tipped to replace Gregg Wallace on Masterchef.

Metro 16.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 351: David A. Lindon Has created the world's smallest Santa. Metro 10.12.24. Photo: SWNS*.

Day 352: Samuel Paty Murdered in 2020 after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression. i 21.12.24. Article by Conrad Smith. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 353: Zoe Ball Leaving the Radio 2 Breakfast Show after 5 years.

i 21.12.24. Article by Christian Oliver. Photo: BBC*.

Day 354: Fiona Wood First female Countdown champion in 26 years.

i 21.12.24. Article by Charlotte McLaughlin. Photo: C4*.

Day 355: RIP George Eastham, footballer, 1936 - 2024 i 24.12.24. Photo: AP*.

Day 356: Blake Lively The object of 'a targeted, multichannel online attack'.

From the 'Opinion' page.  i 24.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Day 357: Feargal Sharkey says that the British public should do what they do in Denmark and use less water. i 24.12.24. Article by Tom Bawden. Photo: Phoebe Fleming.

Days 358, 358 + 360: Wallace, Gromit and Norbot From the TV Listings pages. Vengeance Most Fowl, to be shown on BBC1 on Christmas Day 2024. Written by Nick Park and Mark Burton, directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, produced by Richard Beek. i 9.11.24. Aarddman Animations*.

Day 361: Prisha Tapre At 16 years old, one of the youngest people to swim the English Channel.

i 28.12.24. Photo: Paul Meyler/ PA.

Day 362: RIP Rik Van Looy, cyclist, 1933 - 2024 i 28.12.24. Obituary by Tom Nicholson.

Day 363: Wendy Milsom Dave’s daughter. Photo by Elsie Stephen, Dave’s first wife, 1963/4. See 364.

Day 364: RIP David Steven (brother of Rob Steven, who I follow on Instagram). Photo by Elsie Stephen, Dave’s first wife, 1963/4. @robstephen_photos posts my favourite posts. Some people have the ability to touch you with a few words. Rob is one of those people. His brother died earlier this year. I asked Rob if he had any spare photos. He sent me this one. After much deliberation I decided that I should not separate Dave’s family, so I sewed all four.

Day 365: Elsie Bremner née Allan, Wendy’s maternal grandmother. Photo by Elsie Stephen, Dave’s first wife, 1963/4. See 364.

Day 366: Doreen Innes Wendy’s aunt. Photo by Elsie Stephen, Dave’s first wife, 1963/4. See 364.

This year I have made two ‘Audiences’. I did not have a duplicate copy of Rob’s photo, and it goes against my grain to print a copy especially to stitch. So, Audience ‘A’ has the four faces from Rob, and Audience ‘B’ has two extra Gisèles, and an extra Chris and Dianne, as below.

363b + 364b: Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland Winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. Cut from 'Quiz of the Year 2024' by Emily Cope. i 28.12.24. Photo: BBC*

365b + 366b: Gisèle Pelicot The 72-year-old Frenchwoman waived her right to anonymity to ensure the 'shame shifted to the other side'. Originally from the Daily Mirror. i 21.12.24. Photo: Uncredited.

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2025.

Exile Textile

Exile Textile

101 x 87cm

Hand stitched fabric scraps

Started 31st March, finished 29th September, 2020.

In March 2020 my Mam rang and told me she had terminal cancer. I took all of my annual holiday allowance from one job (osteopath’s receptionist), cancelled my monthly shifts from the other (zero hours contract at the National Portrait Gallery) and went north, to a home I couldn’t wait to get away from 36 years earlier. Three hundred miles from where I live in South London.

One week after I arrived, my Dad had a stroke and my Mam had her first chemo. Two weeks after I arrived, the country went into Lockdown. Six weeks after I arrived, the PM said we were past the peak of the pandemic. I ended up living there for over a year. 

It didn’t take long before I had lost both jobs and become my parents’ carer. And so it was that Exile Textile began, in the most miserable of circumstances. Stitching in secret in the early hours of the morning with materials I found around the house. Recording my time there and hanging onto my sanity.

Mam died in April 2021.

Below is an explanation of the different sections. Following that are some screenshots from Instagram, as I documented its making in real time, and some photographs of the materials used.

FURLOUGHED A new word to me. I was furloughed for two months, then couldn’t live with the guilt of taking the money and gave notice.

The CROSSED-OUT NUMBERS, cut from an old wash bag, represent Mam’s chemo. She had 9 sessions. When Dad got home after his stroke, Mam said we should throw that bloody wash bag out. It was only ever used for hospital visits, and I’m 92% certain that I had it with me in 1974 when I had my tonsils extracted at Sunderland General.  The black crosses came from my sister’s Dorothy Perkins’ trousers, as do all the black bits. The yellow background is from Mam’s massive duster collection, as are all the yellow bits.

COVID-19, LOCKDOWN and SECOND HOME ESCAPEES, speak for themselves. The red fabric came from Mam’s under-the-bed stash. Sometimes she did Christmas Craft Fairs and had lots of red, green and white fabric for such occasions.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOURS GONE? began with ‘flowers’, a song (Seeger/Hickerson) that went viral. I intended to change ‘flowers’  to ‘crisps’ because I was ordering hundreds of bags and they were gone the day after delivery. Simon Wood on Instagram suggested I change it to ‘flours’, which was brilliant, on account of lots of people making bread and the shops running out of flour. The background is a tote bag for a festival my sister went to by mistake. She thought she was going to the Eden Festival, which is a huge music festival in Scotland. About half an hour into the journey she discovered she was on her way to the Eden Escape Festival, a yoga thing in Cumbria. She put the bag in the bin and I took it out.

STAY ALERT TO BULLSHIT and STAY HOME BUT GAN OOT is in reference to the daily conflicting advice from the government.

JUNETEENTH dates back to 1865. ‘It commemorates the day when 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas, which became the last bastion for slavery during the final days of the Civil War, were declared free by the U.S. Army’. I’m ashamed to say I hadn’t heard of it until June 2020.

A SUPPORT BUBBLE ‘is a support network that links 2 households. You do not need to maintain social distancing with people in your support bubble. However, maintaining social distance and taking other precautions such as washing hands and opening windows will help reduce the spread of coronavirus’. I used one of Dad’s 672 unopened boxes of handkerchiefs for the letters.

WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH A STORM Lyrics from You’ll Never Walk Alone (Rodgers and Hammerstein), the anthem for Liverpool FC, who had won the Premier League with no fans there to celebrate. My husband and son are life long supporters and I hadn’t seen them for four months at this point. I was in a storm, too.

2020 with a cross through it, is because I was rejected from the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. And also because 2020 was a complete write-off. An old sheet stitched to an ‘embarrassing’ tea towel my friend threw away.

THE R NUMBER was all the rage during the pandemic. ‘An R value of 1 means that on average every person who is infected will infect 1 other person, meaning the total number of infections is stable. If R is 2, on average, each infected person infects 2 more people’. The background is a jaycloth.

19 WEEKS is pretty self explanatory. The length of time I’d been there, without leaving the house, at the time of stitching . I used one of my old work uniforms.

CLAP FOR THE CARER/CAREER GIRL is in reference to all the clapping we were doing for the overworked and underpaid NHS workers. I am the ‘carer girl’, my sister the ‘career girl'.

I CAN’T BREATHE are the dying words of George Floyd on 25th May, 2020. He was killed by a Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes. Mam and Dad always kept charity shop clothes for the kids at their house, on account of us not having a car and not being able to carry much. I used one of my son’s t-shirts

LOW SKILLED WORKERS became KEY WORKERS, but are now back to being unappreciated ‘low skilled’ workers again.

PPE (personal protective equipment), an abbreviation of which I hadn’t previously heard, was a hot topic in 2020, and still is because some people made a corrupt fortune out of it.

TAKE THE KNEE (‘a symbolic gesture against racism’) is because of Dominic Raab saying he would only take the knee for his wife or the Queen.

Prints available here.

Main image by Phil Shelly. Prints available here.

Exile Textile 3: The Prequel

I make small pieces of work in small pockets of time. Stitching that fits into an actual pocket and can be done on a bus. Eventually the tiny components become something much larger. Having no studio and multiple dayjobs, all of my artwork has been made in this way.

’Exile Textile 3: The Prequel’, was completed in 2022, but is made up of sections which were sewn years earlier. After the completion of ‘Exile Textile’ and ‘Exile Textile 2:The New Normal’, I was on a bit of a roll and keen to make a third by joining together lots of old work.

Most of it was sewn in 2016-17 and marks deaths and events of the time - Terry Wogan (my Dad despised him, partly because he reckoned he got paid loads for doing Children In Need, but mostly because my mam liked him) George Michael, Barry Hines (Kes was the only book I enjoyed at school), John Berger, Alan Rickman, Paul Daniels, David Bowie, Victoria Wood, Alex Timpson (the most amazing woman), Jill Saward (in 1986, at the age of 21, she was raped by two burglars and the judge said she suffered ‘no great trauma’), Brexit, the Manchester Arena bombing, the Westminster Bridge attack, Grenfell Tower and the Paradise Papers (leaked documents revealing the names of rich people with offshore tax havens, like King Prince Charles).

‘What kind of people are we?’ is something Billy Bragg said on Question Time (2017) in reference to 3,000 ‘refugee’ children that the UK was refusing to accommodate. He also paraphrased Tony Benn in saying that the way a government treats refugees is the way they’d treat the rest of us given half the chance.

Kunst (and also the ‘C’) was intended to be a tory Venn Diagram, but I never finished.

The red background on the bottom right corner is made up of squares of National Portrait Gallery uniforms (mine and my frolleagues’), stitched in 2014. The blue squares are cut from a tie (shoutout to Carl). The yellow chainstitched writing, bottom right quarter, is on the same uniform and made on my commute to said gallery. 

The ‘2017’ was stitched on NYE 2016, and destined to become part of my RA rejection piece, but I couldn’t find it at the time. The words ‘then’ and ‘will’ and ‘stronger economy’ were meant to be part of the Gyles Brandreth Brexit piece.

‘BFF Joe Lycett’ is in reference to me appearing on ‘Joe Lycett: Summer Exhibitionist’ (it was on the iPlayer for ages, but isn’t now) on account of the Royal Academy rejecting my work for 30 years.

I can’t remember why I stitched ‘Prejudice’ or ‘Big Boy Pants’, except that the latter was something to do with Boris Johnson.

That’s a portrait of my green daughter from 15 years ago.

The random numbers are from a ‘maternity leave’ advent calendar I started 24 years ago, but never finished.

Photo by Phil Shelly

Art Matters

‘With war raging and children dying, and the slow waltz of extremism on our doorstep and within our cities and towns, art can seem ephemeral, unnecessary and the preserve of the lucky few. It may seem indulgent even, and for those of us in city centres and with fancy Wren churches (hashtag Piccadilly Priest), it may seem like a right more than a privilege. But those of us here today do not need to be told that art matters, that it shakes us from slumber, that it keeps us sensitised and sensitive and that it draws us back to question earth-bound mercy, the earth-pretence of who is pure in heart, the earth-renditions of the peacemakers. All of these things are turned upside down by Jesus and all of these things are turned upside down by art’.

This is very, very late ‘Thank You’ to the lovely Jane Chipp, who not only sent me much appreciated photos and kind words during Varnishing Day (I just couldn’t face going) at the Royal Academy of Arts earlier this year, but also posted the notes from the ‘Service For Artists’ (extract above) at St James’s Church on Piccadilly (an annual sermon for exhibitors), given to her its author, the equally lovey (as it turns out) Associate Priest, Mariama Ifode-Bleasein. She is a huge asset to the church, and no mistake.

I get a mention in said service (sort of), ‘For some of you, this will be your first attempt at submitting your work for the Summer Exhibition, for others it will be your thirty-second’.

I’m not a big fan of religions, but Jesus has always seemed like an incorruptible bloke who would make a good job of running the country.

Read the full sermon, ‘The world as it is, is not as the world should be’, below…

Smash Thatcher

Christopher Madden is a County Durham born artist who lives in London. We were born in the same hospital. I was unaware of his existence until a few weeks ago.

In 1979, Chris drew a cartoon of Thatcher which was then used by the Socialist Workers Party for placards and posters. Other people copied the image for their own personal banners. In 1980, one such person drew the image, wrote ‘SMASH THATCHER’ underneath, and carried it to protest against the closure of Consett Steelworks (image above, full credits below). The Steelworks closed in 1980, with a loss of 3000 jobs. One of many closures, as Thatcher continued her axe-wielding across the North. The protest was photographed and printed in the Northern Echo, which is where I found the image. In 2022, I stitched it to ‘Shifting to the Moon’, a piece about greed and short-sightedness, the ridiculousness of the monarchy, how history keeps repeating itself, and how the posh lads are always in charge.

I grew up in Spennymoor which is 10 miles from Consett, and very similar. Nobody in my hometown liked Thatcher. Understandably. I’d never knowingly met a tory until I moved South.

In 2024, I submitted ‘Shifting To The Moon’ for consideration for the Royal Academy Summer Show. It was accepted. Alice Fisher, from the Observer, wrote an article about it, on account of me unsuccessfully trying to get work into the Summer Show for 30 years.

Chris read the article, recognised his cartoon, and got in touch via Instagram. Turns out he has a history of Summer Show rejections, too.

Credits:

Image 1- Consett Steel Workers’ protests, 1980. Northern Echo. Photographer uncredited.

Image 4 - Me with my work at the RA. Photo by Cassie Candle.

Image 5 - Chris’s original cartoon. A screenshot from his Instagram feed.

She Kept Her Money In Her Bra

James Timpson will be an excellent Minister for Prisons, due in part (very large part) to his incredible mother, Alex.

After reading Alex Timpson’s obituary in 2016, I felt compelled to stitch something because she was bloody amazing. Said stitching (‘Alex Timpson’ and ‘She kept her money in her bra’) remained in a box for six years, until it became part of ‘Exile Textile 3’

This is an extract from my social media post at the time of sewing - ‘Mother of five and foster parent to more than ninety children. Along with her husband, John, she hired young offenders (IN A KEY CUTTING BUSINESS!) and employed people based on their personality. Staff got a day off on their birthday and a free seaside family holiday. Hardly surprising that more than a thousand people came to her funeral’.

In the obituary, one of her family members (94% certain it was James of the new Cabinet) tells a story about how she hated handbags (check) and kept her money in her bra (double check), ‘cash in the left cup, credit cards in the right’.

When I was trying to find the original obituary to confirm the bra story (no luck) I stumbled upon an excellent podcast in which James recalls waiting in the car whilst Alex took babies into prisons to visit their mothers. It’s a great listen. The bit where he talks about including the shop-floor workers in management decisions particularly resonates with me. This absolutely did not happen when I was employed by a large London gallery, and it was totally crap as a consequence. The sign of a good boss is one who listens, actually listens, to the people on the shop floor.

Full Disclosure with James O’Brien, S2 E181.

The fabric is stitched from two of Mr. S’s shirts, which you will recognise from other places.

You can buy a print here.

Better Than Nobody

I support Brentford Football Club by mistake.

Several years back, at the dinner table, my husband and son were dominating the conversation with their beloved Reds. For a laugh, my daughter and I offered our bullshit opinions on tactics, and the like. We told them we loved football, they had just assumed we didn’t. Sexist bastards.

When asked who we support, I glanced at a pile of freshly laundered sheets and said ‘Brentford’ (out of date reference) and that we were off to watch a match that very afternoon.

And so we became football supporters, as much as two people who are totally uninterested in football can.

Due to ongoing random questioning about Griffin Park, we have been forced to follow the Bees for real. Turns out we are lucky charms. I kid you not. Since the day we gave them our magical blessing, Brentford FC have risen through the ranks to the Premier League. It’s uncanny.

Or it could be that they are a ruddy excellent team, with brilliant management and a great work ethic.

In the words of Steven Bartlett, ‘Brentford are special. Very, very special. Based on their resources, they are objectively overachieving’.

Steven goes on to ask Ivan Toney, who has played for many teams so can ‘compare and contrast’, what makes Brentford different?

“Everybody just mixes together. You just get your lunch, you just sit down here, and you talk with whoever. Nobody at the club thinks they’re better than nobody. That comes from the manager and his philosophy at the club”.

I recommend listening to the full interview. Especially if you are my old boss.

Steven Bartlett, Diary of a CEO. Interview with Ivan Toney, 19th August 2023.

What I Think I've Learned About Printing

I was a print* snob. I did not reproduce my work. My business cards are individually made, all unique. When I make greetings cards, each is a one-off.

Last year, I started to rethink my thoughts. Hand stitching takes ruddy ages, and is therefore expensive. Prints of said hand stitching are a more affordable option.

With the help of the lads at The Weavers Factory, I found Klein Imaging in Manchester. A top-drawer outfit with all the eco-creds. They took fantastic photographs**, showing every tiny thread, of my Exile Textiles (above) and RA piece. The balls started rolling for some potential sales.

Nine months later, despite having a gorgeous product, I have only sold nine. I’m yet to break even, after the rail fares to Manchester and photography.

I have not given up, and have just added a new print to my shop. I’m hoping it could enable a partial ease-off on my zero-hours, minimum wage day-jobs.

I knew sod all, but this is what I think I’ve learned:

1. Good quality giclée prints, produced in an ethical environment, are expensive.

2. You need to do a lot of marketing. Probably more than I’m comfortable with.

3. You can’t take anything for granted. The RA piece had massive publicity on the BBC with Joe Lycett. I’ve sold one print.

4. Find a photographer and printer near home. That said, I’m sticking with Klein.

5. Keep your edition run low. With my first prints I insisted on a limited edition of 500. This is considered a bit ridiculous. Even Grayson does less. My new print will be a limited edition of 50.

6. Keep it simple. I offered ALL the sizes, but only the smallest (A3, £75) has sold, so far. I’ve decided on two sizes for the new print, but already I’m thinking I should’ve committed to the bigger one, which is so much more impactful.

Buy my prints here.

*I’m talking about reproductions, not printmaking, which is an artform in itself.

**Shout out to Phil Shelly.

Image: Exile Textile 3. Copyright, Alison Aye, 2024.

Print Pricing

It’s not the done thing, but I thought it might be interesting to show how the £100 spent on my ‘I Have No Thoughts On This Matter’ print, ends up as £34 in my pocket.*

£78.00 shop price (30cms x 30cms)

- 23.48 bespoke printing = 54.52

-7.80 postage = 46.72

-10.00 Certificate of Authenticity = 36.72

-5.00 Arts Emergency donation = 31.72

-2.32 PayPal or 1.32 Stripe fee = £29.40 or £30.40 profit

£100 shop price (50cms x 50cms)

- 40.84 bespoke printing = 59.16

- 7.80 postage = 51.36

- 10.00 Certificate of Authenticity = 41.36

- 5.00 Arts Emergency donation = 36.36

- 2.90 PayPal or 1.60 Stripe fee = £33.46 or £34.76 profit

*I have not deducted photography or general day-to-day business costs. The annual fee for my Squarespace shop is £288.

Currently, I donate £5 from every print sale, and 5% of original art sales, to Arts Emergency. At the end of the financial year, I’m going to change that to a blanket 5% for everything.

Archival standard giclée print, in two sizes, with fade-resistant ink. Limited edition of 50, with a Certificate of Authenticity. Printed by Klein in Manchester on FSC-certified Hahnemühle 290gsm acid-free (and vegan) paper. During paper production, the wastewater is uncontaminated and returned to the source, and the electricity comes from 100% renewable sources. The staff at Klein are treated well and paid fairly.

Find out about the original piece here.

This is what I think I learned from my first foray into printing last year.

Buy a print here.

Photo by Ian Bruton.

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2024

98 Circles

Collage documenting personal, local, national and international events. Five years in the making. Hand-stitched discarded paper (mostly newspaper) to previously embroidered (stitcher unknown, sadly) cloth.

31 x 81cm, unframed.

Exhibited as part of TAILORED 30th March - 7th July, 2024.

Please note, I have stitched the actual newspaper and NOT a reproduction.

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2024.

1. Spitting Image Covid i newspaper 23.11.20. Photo: ITV* Article by Ian Burrell about the return, after a 24 year absence, of Spitting Image. Created by Peter Fluck, Roger Law, Martin Lambie Nairn, Richard Curtis and Doug Naylor.

2. GBBO Trophy i newspaper 25.11.20. Photo: Channel 4*. Cake Stand Trophy, with the hands of Peter Sawkins, 2020 winner of the Great British Bake-Off. Article by Henry Bird.

3. Minoan Clay Vessel Metro 16.12.19. Photo: Uncredited. 3,500 year-old single-use wine vessel. Article about how disposable cups are nothing new. 'The elite were showing off their wealth and status by throwing these great big parties, feasts and festivals. People were getting together in large groups and much like today nobody wants to do the washing-up,' Julia Farley, British Museum.

4. Embroidery Sampler by Mary Frances Heaton Observer 14.11.20. Gary Calton is the only photo credit for the article, but I'm not sure he took this particular photo. Article by Harriet Sherwood about a new Blue Plaque (thanks to Sarah Cobham and other members of 'The Forgotten Women Of Wakefield') in honour of Mary Frances Heaton (1801 1878). Mary was incarcerated in a Yorkshire asylum for 41 years after challenging a cleric when he didn't pay the money he owed. She had been giving his daughter piano lessons. During her time in the asylum she created needlework samplers.

5. Eye of Norman Cornish Northern Echo 23.11.20. Photo: Sarah Caldecott. Article by Gavin Havery about a new mural of Norman Cornish (1919 - 2014) a pitman painter from Spennymoor, County Durham. The mural was painted by Lewis Durham, and copied from one of Cornish's self-portraits.

6. Royal Engagement Ring Mail On Sunday** 29.11.20. Photo: Daily Mirror/ Getty*. Once belonged to Diana, now belongs to Kate. 12-karat oval Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. When Charles proposed to Diana in 1981 the ring was valued at £30k. Article by Emily Andrews and Ian Gallagher.

7. Extinction Rebellion Wreath Northern Echo 12.12.20. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Ted Hennessey about Extinction Rebellion staging a protest at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.

8. Water Droplet Metro 24.10.24. Photo: Aalto University, Finland?* Article about how a material, thought to be the most water-repellent ever, has been created in Finland.

9. Gold Pocket Watch Metro 16.12.20. Photo: SWNS*. The watch was presented to Charles Lawrenson, Master of Cargo on the steamship Nubian, by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, in recognition of his services in effecting a rescue at sea. The watch, valued at 20k, had been stolen from a jewellery shop in Islington.

10. Pope Francis' Zucchetto Observer 29.11.20. Photo: Grzegorz Galazka. The Pope has written a book. Article by Julian Coman.

11. 12th Century Coin i newspaper 23.10.20. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Tom Pilgrim about an 'excessively rare' 900-year-old coin found in a field in Oxfordshire by John Denham.

12, 13 + 14. Coronavirus Symptom: High Temperature. Coronavirus Symptom: New Continuous Cough. Coronavirus Symptom: Change or Loss of Smell/Taste i newspaper 23.10.20. Illustrator uncredited. HM Government/ NHS statement about recognising Coronavirus symptoms.

15. Ambergris Metro 1.12.20. Photo: Viralpress*. Sperm Whale poo worth £2.4m, used in posh perfumes, washed up on a Thai beach and found by Naris Suwannasang, a fisherman.

16. Kurt Weill's Eye Observer 28.4.19. Photo: Lotte Jacobi, 1930. Article by Vanessa Thorpe about a Kurt Weill opera, The Tsar Wants His Photograph Taken, back on stage 80 years after nazi ban.

17. The Spirit Of The Rose Metro 13.11.20. Photo: Reuters. Article about an extremely rare purple-pink diamond selling for £20m.

18. Doorbell, 11 Downing Street Metro 26.11.20. Photo: AFP/ Getty*. Article about the then Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, painting a grim scene of the public purse, and possibly laying out his stall to become the next Prime Minister.

19. Brit Awards' Print by Ashton Attz London Evening Standard 17.2.20. Photo: Uncredited. Article about Ashton's design for the Brit Awards, and how they won the Evening Standard Art Prize in 2018. I was shortlisted for this prize and it has been a pleasure to watch Ashton go from strength to strength ever since.

20. Let Boris Be Boris Badge Observer 14.7.19. Photo: Dylan Martinez/ Reuters. In reference to Boris Johnson. Article by Nick Cohen about how the main political parties have been taken over by activists who seem to care little for the voters. Comments and Analysis page.

21. Buzz Aldrin and the reflection of Neil Armstrong Metro 19.7.19. Photo: Neil Armstrong. Helmet with the reflection of Neil Armstrong, 1969. Article by Libby Plummer about Nasa announcing plans to put another human on the moon in 2024. However, I've just heard on the radio that it's been moved to 2026.

22. Poppy Wreath Spenny News 22.8.20. Photo: Keith Taylor. Liz Lewarne of the Royal Navy Association, Spennymoor and Ferryhill Branch, laid the wreath to commemorate 75 years since VJ Day.

23. Matt Lucas by Nathan Wyburn Northern Echo 27.5.20. Photo: Nathan Wyburn? Portrait of Matt Lucas on a Potato, by Nathan Wyburn.

24. Great Ormond St Hospital Logo Metro or Evening Standard, July 2019. Conran Design Group* Advert for Walkie Talkie Tower Climb.

25. Green Cross Cut from Mam's Prescription Bag. Designer uncredited. From the final year of my mam's life. Miller's Chemist, Spennymoor.

26. Storm Ciaran Metro 3.11.23. Photo: SWNS*. Article by Josh Milton and Ben Ashton about the aftermath of 104mph UK winds.

27. Virus Infected Cell i newspaper 27.8.20. Photo: AFP*. Credited to The Economist, 2020. A scan of an apoptotic cell (pink) heavily infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (green).

28. USA Election 2020 Logo Metro: 1.10.20. Photo: AFP/ Getty*. Article by Dominic Yeatman about the first televised debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the lead up to the presidential election.

29. Apple Observer Magazine 9.6.19. Photo: Uncredited. HM Government Pension Wise advert.

30. National Emblem of Belarus i newspaper 21.8.20. Photo: Reuters*. Article (from 2020) by Mary Dejevsky about the huge protests that broke out when Lukashenko was declared President. In January 2024 the Guardian reported that he has signed a new law granting him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution and preventing opposition leaders living in exile from running in future presidential elections. He has ruled Belarus for almost 30 years. The next election is due to take place in 2025.

31. Lockdown Pumpkin Northern Echo 31.10.20. Photo: Gary Tidbury. Letters Page.

32. Wok Mail On Sunday** 13.9.20. Photo: Not sure which of these credits applies to the wok: Camera Press/ Alpha/ Avalon* I'm pretty certain none of them. Obituary of Terence Conran (1931 - 2020), ‘responsible for introducing the wok to the UK’, by Ian Gallagher.

33. Cricket World Cup London Evening Standard 15.7.19. Photo: Getty*. Article by Jonathan Prynn, John Dunne, Liam Coleman and Ted Hennessey about England's win over New Zealand in the final. 2019 was the first, and only, time England have won at the time of writing.

34. Door of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Guardian 12.6.19. Photo: Maxim Shemetov/ Reuters. Article by Luke Harding and Jason Burke about some leaked documents showing Russia's aim to exert power in Africa. Thanks to Jan Hicks for identifying the door.

35. Wimbledon Logo i newspaper 08.07.19. Photo: Uncredited. All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. General Championship update.

36. US Presidential Seal Metro 4.6.19. Photo: PA/ Getty*. Article, by Joel Taylor, about the state visit to the UK by the US President.

37. The Soyuz Capsule Parachute London Evening Standard 25.6.19. Photo: Uncredited. Nasa?*. Article about the safe return of astronauts Anne McClain, Oleg Kononenko and David Saint-Jacques from the Space Station.

38. Sophie's Head Cut from The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr. Picture Lions, 1973. Beyond repair. Illustrator: Judith Kerr, 1968. RIP Judith Kerr, 1923 - 2019.

39. Nicholas Parsons' Watch London Evening Standard 28.1.20. Photo: Uncredited. Front page photo announcing the death of Nicholas Parsons (1923 - 2020) at the age of 96.

40. Union Jack Umbrellas Metro 12.6.19. Photo: Rex is the only credit in the Metro, but the same photo is credited to Graham Hunt in the Guardian. Article about a cricket match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, by Aidan Radnedge.

41. 50p Brexit Coin Metro 27.1.20. Photo: PA*. Uncirculated coin observing the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. Features the date of withdrawal (31st January 2020) and the inscription, 'Peace, prosperity and friendship to all nations'.

42. King's Cross Clock Time Out London 22.3.16. Photo: Warner Bros*. Harry Potter Studios Tour advert. Possibly Warner Bros remake of clock.

43. Roman Coin Metro 11.6.19. Photo: Uncredited. 2,000 years old. Carausius Denarius. As far as they know, it's the only one in the world.

44. Donatella Versace Vogue October, 2018. Photo: Uncredited. I took the Vogue from the bin at work.

45. Infinity Mirrored Room, detail Time Out London 28.8.18. Photo: Uncredited. By Yayoi Kusama. Victoria Miro Gallery, London. Article about the nine best exhibitions to visit in London at the time. Edited by Eddy Frankel.

46. Hammersmith Pride Roundel Metro 27.6.19. Photo: TFL*. Hammersmith Station. Transport For London advert.

47 and 48. Picasso Tits Can't remember where I cut these from. Reclining Nude by Pablo Picasso, 1932. Private Collection, Rome. Marie-Therese Walter, with whom Picasso started a relationship when she was 17 and he was 45, and married to Olga.

49. Anglo-Saxon Coin Observer 12.5.19. Photo: EPA*. Article by Nosheen Iqbal about the magnificent Anglo-Saxon artefacts (a 1,400yo prince's tomb, almost entirely intact, was discovered at Prittlewell) on display in Southend, and how they are not pulling in the crowds.

50. Extinction Rebellion Symbol London Evening Standard 18.4.19. Photo: Alex Lentati. Article by Justin Davenport, Nicholas Cecil and Daniel O'Mahony about the fourth day of protests in central London.

51. Australian Banknote, detail London Evening Standard 9.5.19. Photo: Uncredited. Article about a misprint on the new (not so new, now) Australian $50 banknote.

52. Anti-fascist T-Shirt Guardian 15.6.19. Photo: Linda Nylind. Articles by Sarah Marsh, Aamna Mohdin and Esther Addley about the rise in homophobic and transphobic hate crime. Chris, the t-shirt wearer was attacked on a London bus and left with a broken jaw when she wouldn't 'perform' for a group of men.

53. The Zero from 10 Downing Street i newspaper 25.07.19. Photo: Uncredited. Front page photograph of the new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, under the headline, 'Brexiteers take over'.

54. Notre Dame Medal Can’t remember where I got this. I added this image as a nod to the fire at Notre Dame on 15th April, 2019. The medal was made to commemorate the wedding of Mary Stuart (16yo) and Dauphin Francis (14yo) in 1558. Attributed to Guillaume Martin. Silver. French. 51mm. Met Museum 07.02.

55. Cave Cut from Artrage by Elizabeth Fullerton. Thames and Hudson, 2016. Charity shop. Photo: Uncredited. Maybe Turk? By Gavin Turk, 1991. Ceramic plaque.

56. Help To Buy Logo Metro or Evening Standard July 2019. Designer uncredited. Advert for Galliard Homes.

57. Museum of the Moon Observer 7.7.19. Photo: Finnbarr Webster/ Getty. On display at Sherborne Abbey. Museum of the Moon is a 2016 inflatable installation artwork by Luke Jerram. It is a spherical model of the Moon, with a diameter of 7 metres. Several copies tour the world for temporary exhibitions, often accompanied by music. I accidentally stitched it upside-down. Apologies to Luke.

58. Birthday Balloon London Evening Standard 22.7.19. Photo: Uncredited. One of Priyanka Chopra's 37th birthday balloons.

59. Simona Halep and the Rosewater Dish Observer 14.7.19. Photo: Tom Jenkins/ Observer. Simona Halep holding the Rosewater Dish (introduced in 1886) when she won the Ladies' Singles Championship at Wimbledon in 2019. Article by Tim Lewis.

60. Wensleydale Cheese Observer 16.6.19. Photo: Uncredited. Alamy*? Article by Jillian Ambrose about renewable 'green gas' made from cheese waste.

61. Pound Coin Observer 12.5.19. Photo: PA*. Queen Elizabeth II. Article by Harvey Jones about people forgetting the have pensions.

62. Archie Windsor’s head and Prince Harry’s finger Metro 17.7.19. Photo: Harry or Meghan Windsor/Instagram. Article by Caitlin Doherty about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sharing a new image of their son on Instagram. Image also includes Harry's finger.

63. Coronavirus i newspaper 17.3.20. Photo: Uncredited. HM Government/ NHS statement about what to do if you have Coronavirus.

64. Saturn V Engine i newspaper 15.7.19. Photo: Kennedy Space Centre?* Article by Rob Hastings about a trip around the Kennedy Space Centre, 50 years after the Moon Landing.

65, 66 and 67. NHS: Face, Hands and Space i newspaper 5.10.20. Photo: Hands Face Space. NHS information page, reminding us to wash our hands, cover our face and keep a distance between ourselves and other people.

68. Painting By Henny Lees Original artwork. Posted to me by Henny Lees. Postmark says March 2020.

69. Deep Fried Mince Pie Metro 14.12.23. Photo: SWNS*. From a picture of Bill Rai, owner of Oh My Cod, holding up a deep fried mince pie in his Lincolnshire chippy. The article is about this and other unusual things he deep fries.

70. Boris Johnson's Birthday Cake Metro 16.6.23. Photo: AP*. Article by Sam Corbishley about Partygate and Boris Johnson's lies.

71. GCHQ i newspaper 12.8.23. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Richard Holmes about hackers, from China and Russia, breaking into the Foreign Office.

72. Judicial Committee of the Privy Council Crest Metro 16.11.23. Photo: PA*. Article by Craig Munro about emergency laws to fly migrants to Rwanda.

73. Golden Globes Trophy Metro 9.1.24. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Ruth Lawes about the Golden Globe winners.

74. Rose For Elianne Metro 29.9.23. Photo: PA*. Article by Liam Coleman about Elianne Andam, killed on her way to school.

75. FIFA Women's World Cup Logo Metro 17.8.23. Designer uncredited, but I think it’s Chern’ee Sutton. …“radial motif featuring 32 colourful squares – celebrating the new expansion to 32 participating nations, and an element commonly seen across the Indigenous cultures of Australia and New Zealand – is a prominent part of the design” (FIFA, 2021)’. Article by Tom Sanders about the Lionesses reaching the World Cup Final.

76. The Moon Metro 24.10.23. Photo: Uncredited. Article about how the Moon is 40 million years older than we thought. Scientists worked it out using lunar dust brought back by Apollo astronauts in 1972.

77. Wheel of the Gold State Coach Metro 11.4.23. Photo: Getty*. Article by Sam Courtney-Guy about Charles III's coronation route.

78. Brexit Bong Metro 3.2.20. Photo: Uncredited. Cut from a picture of Boris Johnson, with the caption, 'Banging the gong for Britain'.

79. Sad Face Emoji Metro 1.10.20. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Martha Alexander about ten years of Instagram.

80. Winston Churchill Coin i newspaper 28.12.23. Photo: Royal Mint*. Royal Mint £2 to commemorate 150 years since the birth of Churchill. Created by Natasha Seaward, a graphic designer at The Royal Mint, the Sir Winston Churchill coin features a portrait of Churchill as a young man in 1895, garbed in the uniform of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars.

81. Bird Feeder Northern Echo 10.7.20. Photo: Uncredited. Family Photo? Royal Mint £2 to commemorate 150 years since the birth of Churchill. Created by Natasha Seaward, a graphic designer at The Royal Mint, the Sir Winston Churchill coin features a portrait of Churchill as a young man in 1895, garbed in the uniform of the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars.

82. Eat Out To Help Out Logo i newspaper 30.09.23. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/ PA. Article by Jane Merrick about Sunak and the farce that was 'Eat Out To Help Out'.

83. Lock Northern Echo 3.9.20. Photo: Sarah Caldecott. Front page headline of the Northern Echo 'Lockdown Is Looming'. Article by Laura Nolan.

84. Ronnie Scott Plaque London Evening Standard 24.10.19 Photo: Uncredited. Article by Robert Dex commemorating 60 years of Ronnie's.

85. Diego Maradona i newspaper 26.11.20. Photo: Uncredited. Obituary of Diego Maradona (1960 - 2020) by Ivan Ponting.

86. Ant McPartlin Wearing The Helmet Of Snakes Metro 2.11.20. Photo: ITV*. Ant McPartlin endures the 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' Helmet Of Snakes.

87. Madonna's Plait London Evening Standard 18.12.23. Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty. London Evening Standard's 'Pictures Of The Year'. Madonna at the Grammys.

88. Amazonian Ceremonial Necklace i newspaper 18.2.23. Photo: Kin Cheung/ PA. Presented to King Charles by Uyunkar Domingo Peas, spokesperson for the Sacred Headwaters of the Amazon.

89. Belt Buckle of Paul O'Grady London Evening Standard 29.3.23. Photo: Uncredited. Obituary of Paul O'Grady (1955 - 2023) by Robert Dex.

90. Cauliflower Guardian 17.8.19. Photo: Uncredited. 400% increase in the wholesale price of cauliflowers due to the weather.

91. Pacific Football Fish Metro 27.10.23. Photo: Uncredited. Article about a fish, normally 3,000ft below the waves and rarely seen intact at the surface, having been washed up on a LA beach. I'm afraid I cut off its forehead-light-on-a-stalk. That's not the technical term.

92. Snooker Ball London Evening Standard 18.12.23. Photo: Mike Egerton/ PA. London Evening Standard's 'Pictures Of The Year'. Just Stop Oil protests at The Crucible, brought a halt to the World Snooker Championship.

93. Post Office Logo Metro 11.1.24. Photo: BBC*. Front Page headline about the Post Office Scandal. Taken from a photograph with the caption, 'Victims tell their heart-breaking and horrifying stories'. Article by Brooke Davies.

94. Beach Stone in Turkey i newspaper 2.9.23. Photo: Mustafa Unal Uysal/ Getty. Article about the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

95. Scales of Justice London Evening Standard 5.9.23. Photo: Uncredited. From the top of the Old Bailey. Front cover of the Evening Standard. Article about serious flaws in the justice system.

96. Lottery Ball Northern Echo 30.10.20. Photo: Uncredited. National Lottery advert.

97. Masterchef Trophy with the Hair and Shoulder of Lisa Faulkner Sunday Mirror 16.6.19. Photo: Uncredited. BBC?* Article by Scarlet Howes about Lisa Faulkner and John Torode, and how everyday is just like a honeymoon. Faulkner won Celebrity Masterchef in 2010. Her shoulder and hair can be seen in the background of the trophy.

98. Menopause Supplement i newspaper 30.12.23. Photo: Uncredited. Article by Connie Dimsdale about the lack of scientific evidence that some menopause supplements work.

* The photo credit appears as it did in the publication from which the image was cut. For the record, I don't accept the name of a company as the credit for a photograph. There was an actual person behind the camera. If you are that person, or know them, please let me know.

** I have never, and will never, buy the Mail On Sunday.

ING Discerning Eye

I’m really pleased to say that Family Affair has been selected for this year’s ING Discerning Eye.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT MY WORK IS ANY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE’S! It just means that this year (I have submitted work eighteen times, that’s eighteen years, and been accepted thrice) one of the judges liked my work. I won’t find out which judge selected me until the Private View on 16th November*.

The exhibition is six small (the work is small-scale, too) exhibitions in one. Each judge mounts their own show. The panel is always made up of two artists (Chris Levine, Julian Wild), two collectors (Tony Adams, the footballer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, the singer) and two critics or some-such (Peju Oshin, critic, Eliza Gluckman - Director of the Government Art Collection). I’m betting Chris Lavine selected mine, on account of his portrait of the Queen, but who knows?

Numbers are limited for the PV (my +1 is reserved for my friend Cathy, if she’s available?), but the exhibition is free and runs at the Mall Galleries in London, from 17th - 26th November.

Image: Detail from Family Affair.

*Edit: It was Chris Levine.

Family Affair

This piece is about the ridiculousness of the monarchy, and how it was built on the backs of working people, and how my feminism is conflicted by three privileged and powerful leaders. The class system, inherited wealth and the common-wealth, it’s about that too. It’s also about Usain Bolt’s orange shoes being worth 20k, and him not being able to catch the person in Croydon who ran off with them. I tried various legs on Elizabeth, Sly Stone’s were made to measure. I need to credit my husband, who came up with ‘Family Affair’.

61. Family Affair

Hand-stitched paper to tea towel

37 x 31cm unframed, 46 x 41cm framed (by The Framing Room)

Queen Elizabeth II with Charles and Anne Balmoral, 28th September 1952. Bromide Print, NPG 1616. Photo by Lisa Sheridan (mother of Dinah Sheridan* and grandmother of Jenny Hanley, Magpie presenter). Cut from Coronation Souvenir. Printed by LTA Robinson Ltd, London. *I have a soft spot for Dinah Sheridan, in that she is in one of the most joyous film moments of all time. The bit in The Railway Children where they have apple pie for breakfast.

Queen Victoria Alexander Bassano 1887 (1882). NPG x8753. For Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Cut from Kings and Queens by Ronald Pearsall, Tiger Books 1986.

Queen Elizabeth I c1588. Unknown artist. N. Looks like a copy of the Armada Portrait. Cut from Heritage of Britain, Reader’s Digest 1975.

Trousers of Sly Stone, Frank Driggs Collection. Cut from Rock Stars by Timothy White. Columbus Books, 29 Elmfield Road, Bromley, 1984.

Large Feet belong to Usain Bolt. Cut from the i newspaper (16.4.22). Photographer uncredited. The orange Puma running shoes (worth £20k, according to the BBC) were stolen in London in 2014.

Small Feet and Hand belong to Prince William (red shoes) and Prince Harry (blue shoes and hand) Majorca 1987. Photo by Jayne Fincher. Cut from William, The People’s Prince by Ian Lloyd, Pavilion 2003.

Family Affair will be part of the ING Discerning Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries, from 17th - 26th November. All works are for sale, and continue to be so online until 31st December.

Please note that I do not reproduce physical images to stitch, but use already printed materials. The paper comes from discarded books, newspapers, magazines, calendars and the like. Most of the books I cut are beyond repair, the rest are beyond my respect.

Shifting To The Moon

68. Shifting To The Moon, 2022

Hand-stitched paper to tea towel

60 x 44cm unframed, 62 x 47cm framed (by The Framing Room, with maple and UV glass)

‘Shifting’ is a Durham colloquialism, meaning ‘to move house’. I grew up in a car-free environment, and people often carried furniture by hand, from one house to another. Everybody helped. I have a picture, somewhere, of my dad transporting Uncle David’s couch by wheelbarrow, or ‘barra’ as he calls it.

Moon: From the film La Voyage Dans La Lune, 1902, by George Méliès. The first ever science fiction film. From the book by Jules Verne. Michaut/ Lucien Tainguy. Cut from 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, Steven Jay Schneider, Cassell 2003.

Monkey: Sam, Dec 1959. Nasa Little Joe Test Programme. Hulton Getty Picture Collection. Nick Yapp.

Robot: Alpha, July 1932. Invented by Harry May for the Mullard Valve Company. Hulton Getty Picture Collection. Nick Yapp. Legend has it, that the robot shot the inventor.

Basket: From the film, Around The World In Eighty Days, United Artists, 1956. David Niven and Cantinflas were in the basket. Michael Anderson/Kevin McClory/Mike Todd. Cinematography by Lionel Lindon. George Rinhart/Getty. Cut from 50 Years Of The Movies by Jeremy Pascall, WH Smith 1981.

Andrew and Charles Windsor, now King: ‘Gaining their parachutist’s wings during the Easter holiday from Gordonstoun’ c1978. Coloursport. Cut from Britain In The Seventies by Ronald Allison. Book Club Associates, 1980.

Jarrow Crusade: In October 1936, 200 men marched 300 miles from Jarrow to Westminster to protest against unemployment and poverty. They brought with them a petition requesting the re-establishment of industry. It was received by the House of Commons, but not debated.

Achtung! Sie Verlassen Jetzt West-Berlin: The image, from which this sign is taken, is the copyright of the family of Richard Bissell, who was a CIA officer. He was an administrator of the European Recovery Plan in Germany, after the Second World War. Cut from The American Century by Harold Evans, Jonathan Cape, 1998.

Four More Years: From an image (Charles Nye, 1972) of Richard Nixon electioneering in Ohio, just before the full scope of his Watergate involvement was revealed.

Wet Paint: David McEnery, 1975. Mirror Group.

Maggitun Devastation For Kent: Maggitun didn’t really catch on as an alias for the Channel Tunnel. From an image of anti-tunnel protesters in Folkstone. QA Photographs, the Channel Tunnel Group Ltd. Cut from Breakthrough by Derek Wilson, Century, 1991.

Tow Away Zone: From the film, Manhattan by Woody Allen. United Artists, 1979. 50 Years of the Movies by Jeremy Pascall, WH Smith 1981.

Britain Awake: Fascist banner.

Caution No Swimming: Banksy, 2005. Bathing Lake, Hyde Park, London. Lasted three and a half weeks. Cut from Banksy Wall and Peace, Century 2006.

The Batchelors: 1922, Getty.

Face of the Enemy in Kabul: State Britain by Mark Wallinger, 2007. Brian Haw’s banners recreated.

Reserved For Pastor: William Lovelace, 1961. From a photograph of two men sleeping in the pastor’s car park during a siege of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama, by a white mob of three thousand during the night of 20th/21st May, 1961.

The End of the World is Near: David McEnery, 1975. Mirror Group.

Peace: From a photo taken en route to a Women’s Peace Congress in the Hague, April 13th 1915. Jane Addams, Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, Annie E Malloy. Possibly Mary Heaton Vorse and Lillian Kohlhamer. Bain News Service. George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress. The American Century by Harold Evans, Jonathan Cape 1998.

Gone to Morroco with Hilton: From a picture of Sarah Lucas and Tracey Emin by Carl Freedman, 1993. It’s the one where they are standing in the doorway of ‘The Shop’ on Bethnal Green Road, London. The sign is painted above the door. Don’t know who Hilton is, and neither does Google. If I ever meet Tracey or Sarah, it’s the first thing I’ll ask them. Cut from Artrage by Elizabeth Fullerton, Thames and Hudson 2016.

Bands Won’t Play No More: Quote from Ghost Town by The Specials/ Jerry Dammers. 2 Tone Records. BBC 1981. Stitched in honour of Terry Hall (1959 - 1922) who died during the making of this piece. Also, I now recognise areas of London in the video, which I didn’t know in 1981. Why must the youth fight against themselves? Particularly poignant at the moment.

Smash Thatcher: Cartoon drawn by Christopher Madden, who read my Observer piece, then saw his work stitched to my work at the RA. He said, 'Well, this is an interesting way to get one's work into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Draw a cartoon of Margaret Thatcher in 1979 in her Iron Lady/ Mad Axewoman persona. Have the cartoon picked up by the Socialist Workers Party for placards and posters. Have the placard redrawn by other people for their own personal placards. Have one of those copied placards printed in a newspaper somewhere. Have that print used in a montage in an artwork in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition forty-five years later. Thanks to Alison Aye for her excellent choice of montage material. My own attempts to get into the Summer Exhibition have always been a failure. Shortlisted a couple of times but always fallen at the final hurdle'.

Consett Steel Workers’ banner. I grew up in Spennymoor which is 14 miles from Consett, and very similar. Nobody in my hometown liked Thatcher. I’d never knowingly met a tory until I moved South. Northern Echo. Cut from Memories of County Durham in the 1980s, in association with Love Darlo.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All: State Britain by Mark Wallinger, 2007. Brian Haw’s banners recreated.

First National Coal: Betteshanger Colliery, Deal, Kent. NCB, 1st January 1947. 100 Years in Pictures by DC Somervell, Odhams Press.

The Magi of Chaldea (Wise Men): Priest-Astronomers who gave names to the stars. Odhams Wonder-World of Knowledge by JA Lauwerys, RL James and Brian Vasey-Fitzgerald. There’s a long list of possible illustrators: Carlo Alexander, AE Barbosa, Laurence Bradbury, Royman Browne, AH Burvill, Gaynor Chapman, David Cobb, Neville Colvin, H Connolly, Gordon Davies, Rowland Davies, Bruce Drysdale, Barry Evans, EI Ford, Grace Golden, LG Goodwin, Harry Green, LS Haywood, W Hobson, Peter Horne, William Kempster, P Kesteven, R King, Richard Leacroft, Joan Martin May, N Meredith or C Newsome-Taylor.

Please note that I do not reproduce physical images to stitch, but use already printed materials. The paper comes from discarded books, newspapers, magazines, calendars and the like. Most of the books I cut are beyond repair, the rest are beyond my respect.

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2024.

Homage To Delaunay

A recreation of the cradle cover Sonia Delaunay made for her son, John, in 1911. The original (copyright, Centre Pompidou) was shown as part of a 2015 Tate Modern exhibition. I was completely bowled over by its beauty.

I used fabrics of sentimental value, as did Delaunay. Each piece of cloth was once worn by my family and friends. For example, the darker green is from the jacket my daughter wore on her first day at school. Coincidentally, this is the same day I started working at the National Portrait Gallery, and the more vibrant red is from my old uniform.

19. Homage To Delaunay

Hand stitched textile

20 x 15cm unframed, 33 x 27.5cm framed

Framed by Jacob at The Framing Room using sapele and museum grade glass.

Photo by Ian Bruton.

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2024.

Damien Shamien

It’s about my mam’s massively subservient nature, and how she expected the same of me. Her dying words were that I must iron my dad’s clothes nicely. “Make sure yer dad has a nice crease in his pants.” His home is a four-hour journey from mine.

Made at my parents’ house during Lockdown, where I took care of my mother in the final eighteen months of her life. I was unable to return to my husband and children for fear of bringing germs to my mam and dad, who had a stroke the week after my arrival.

I accidentally became their carer. It’s the closest to hell my privileged life has ever taken me. I lost my employment, and my mind, into the bargain.

Rarely leaving the house, I had no art materials. The background is one of my mother’s napkins, and the lettering is cut from my father’s handkerchiefs.

I’m making fun of Damien Hirst’s success, and my lack of it. Inspired by his shark sculpture, ‘The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living’. Mam was in her final weeks of life, lying motionless on a hospital bed at home, where I was nursing her. Her death was imminent and inevitable, but seemed impossible.

I carry the guilt of being relieved when she died.

39. Damien Shamien, 2021

Hand-stitched textile

35 x 35cm unframed

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2024.