WWII: Crush to see wartime tapestry

The Midland Drapery in St Peter's Street. The arcade led to the Nag's Head pub

WHEN I was a child, my father used to take my mother and I to Derby in our old, pre-war Ford 8 motor car quite often. I vaguely recall one particular visit when I was nine years of age. There was quite a bit of commotion outside the Midland Drapery building.

A large crowd of people were jostling each other, trying to get a glimpse of something on display in one of the store’s large windows.

Being just a small boy at the time, I could not see much apart from a brief glimpse of, what I thought was, a large lace tablecloth. Not being able to see, we carried on with our shopping. It was only later that we learned what the crowd had been so excited about.

It turned out to be a magnificent lace tapestry, depicting scenes from the Battle of Britain. It had been on display that week at the Midland Drapery and was responsible for drawing so much attention from the admiring crowds.

Many, many years later, I learned that it had been made by Dobson & M Browne Ltd, a Nottingham firm of lace-makers. The tapestry measured an impressive 15ft by 5ft 6ins and took two years in the making. Only 11 of these beautiful tapestries were made, one of which was presented to King George VI and one to Winston Churchill. The remainder were presented to various countries including Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

The tapestry went on tour and was exhibited throughout Britain. When it was on show at Brighton, the BBC went along and the event was opened by Forces sweetheart Vera Lynn.

In Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the traffic came to a halt due to around 250,000 people jamming the streets, wanting to see it. I do not know what eventually happened to this beautiful work of art, but I have no doubt that it is preserved somewhere safe and secure. At least, I hope it is.

One thing is for certain – if ever the opportunity arises, I’ll make sure I get a good look at it next time, although, sadly, it won’t be through a window of Midland Drapery!

With reference to the ongoing question as to whether Supermarine Spitfires took part in the opening ceremony of Burnaston aerodrome on June 17, 1939, I can say with certainty that they did.

Should anyone be in any doubt, they need only visit the Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage Centre at Swadlincote, where they can view photographs, in the “Magic Attic” archives, which appeared in the Burton Observer and Burton Daily Mail published a few days after the event, one of which features a formation of Spitfires flying over the airfield.

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You are most probably already aware that on of the tapestries is at the Air Force Museum in Bullcreek (Perth), Western Australia Posted by Terry Sellner

I know of where one is ( you may or may not have a note of this one ) and I would also be interested in the list of holders. (User:Goldstripes)

Regarding the article "WWII Crush to see Wartime Tapestry" I am currently researching these Comemmorative Lace Panels that were made by Dobson's & M. Browne Co. Ltd., I believe that they actually made 38 of them and so far I can account for some 30 of them. I would welcome any more information concerning them. (User:Brianf)

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