Kellett Tapestry

50th Year Anniversary

The Kellett (British International School) Tapestry Project celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary through a unique collaborative endeavour. This project, four years in the making, involved the entire school community—students, teachers, and parents—who contributed their voices and creativity by submitting personal drawings that reflected their experiences at Kellett and in Hong Kong.

The tapestry wove together stories of Hong Kong’s rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and community spirit, incorporating themes such as the Chinese zodiac, local cuisine, and transportation. By blending student artwork with bold graphic designs inspired by traditional Chinese cut paper, we created a visually stunning piece that honoured our shared history.

Throughout the project, students not only learned essential embroidery skills but also developed confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for storytelling through textiles. This tapestry now stands as a lasting legacy that connects generations and celebrates our vibrant school community.

What made you decide on the design direction of the piece?

The design direction for the tapestry was deeply influenced by the rich history of storytelling through textiles. Tapestries have served as a medium for sharing stories across generations, and I wanted to honor that tradition by weaving together the unique narratives of Kellett School and Hong Kong. By involving the entire school community—from the youngest students in prep to the senior students, as well as teachers and parents—we aimed to create a tapestry that reflects our shared experiences. I encouraged every student to submit a drawing that represented something important to them, allowing us to curate a diverse visual story. The final selection features themes of Hong Kong’s wildlife, the Chinese zodiac, local cuisine, and transportation, beautifully merging both student creativity and my own graphic designs reminiscent of Chinese cut paper.

1) Hong Kong wildlife & nature

What key skills have students been learning?

Throughout this project, students have been learning a variety of key skills related to embroidery. For the senior students, I developed a stitch sampler pattern that introduced them to up to 50 different embroidery stitches. They've learned essential techniques such as the back stitch, French knots, chain stitch, and lazy daisy. For the younger students, we focused on foundational skills like threading needles, tying knots, and practicing basic stitches with initial letters. Beyond sewing techniques, they’re also gaining confidence in their creativity and craftsmanship.

2) archectecture & transportation

What has been the highlight?

One of the highlights has been witnessing the students’ growth and enthusiasm as they immerse themselves in the project. I’ve seen them evolve from hesitant beginners to confident embroiderers, often expressing how relaxed and engaged they feel while stitching. Their excitement when they see their contributions coming together in the tapestry is truly rewarding. Each session ends with a sense of accomplishment, and it’s heartwarming to watch their pride in participating in such a meaningful project.

3) the chinese zodiac animals

How have the students taken to embroidery/weaving, etc.?

The students have embraced embroidery with remarkable enthusiasm! Initially, there was some apprehension, especially among the younger ones, but as they practiced and improved their skills, they became more confident. They’ve shared how enjoyable and calming the sewing process is, often losing track of time while working on their pieces. It’s rewarding to see them not only mastering techniques but also developing a genuine appreciation for the craft.

4) Hong Kong local cuisine

Beyond learning to sew, what are the benefits for students?

Beyond the technical skills of sewing, this project fosters teamwork, patience, and a sense of community. Students are learning to collaborate across age groups, supporting each other and sharing insights. The act of creating something together instills a sense of pride and ownership, enhancing their emotional well-being. Additionally, they’re developing fine motor skills and gaining an understanding of the cultural significance behind textiles, which deepens their connection to both Kellett School and Hong Kong.

What has been the most challenging aspect of the process?

The most challenging aspect has been effectively teaching three different schools how to embroider. Each group has varied skill levels and learning speeds, so I had to ensure that everyone felt equipped and confident. Creating the stitch sampler for the senior school was essential in this regard, as it allowed them to practice independently. Another challenge was designing the tapestry tables with my dad during his visit, figuring out how to suspend the fabric panels so they remained taut while multiple hands worked on them. Balancing the logistics while keeping the experience enjoyable for the students has been a rewarding but intricate undertaking.

the woven border

The younger students from Year 1 to Year 3 made an important contribution to the 50th anniversary artwork by weaving the fabric panels that formed the piping trim around the border, encasing the tapestry. We utilised recycled school uniforms, cutting them into strips for weaving, along with red, white, and blue yarns to align with the school’s signature colour palette.