A NEW exhibition will be on display at Hexham Abbey to mark the anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian artist, Yuliia Achkasova’s and 14 volunteers have created a beautiful art piece called ‘The Tapestry of Life’, which will be displayed until Good Friday (March 29).

The concept was drawn up by Yulliia who fled from her country when the war began on the February 24, 2022 and took the group six months to complete.

The art work was unveiled at the Peace Journey performance in the Abbey which was on Friday February 23.

Yulliia said: “Being far from our country Ukrainians feel disconnected from their roots. Our ancestors have used patchwork, tapestry and embroidery historically to overcome the pain of conflict and in times of difficulty!’

‘This was in my mind to combine traditional handicraft practices with modern art techniques and create a design based on my inspiration from walking through the Sele park, Hexham and watching the sun set behind the crown of a large tree. This was my vision; this was my dream!

"I decided to create a piece of Art which would strengthen interpersonal ties between both Ukrainian and British Communities within Hexham, Northumberland.

"The art project became a wonderful experience of how creating together, supported each other and a positive solution away from the traumatic, difficult experiences of war, but also from any difficult life circumstances.

"I think that a miracle happened to us at that moment when we connected our souls by sewing together pieces of fabric as fragments of our different life experiences.

"The miracle of healing, the miracle of life!"

Volunteer, Wendy Brady adds: “It has been a wonderful experience bringing Yuliia’s vision, her dream, to create a beautiful textile artwork for people to enjoy.

"This is more than a tapestry! It has brought both the Ukrainian and British communities together, it has created friendship and unity.

"We have worked from some wonderful venues within Hexham, Minerva, Green Bee, The Torch Centre, Hexham Abbey and Hexham Library, who have all been so supportive of the community project, organised by Kath Prandle and financially supported by Northumberland Communities Together."