The panels, frieze and end bars were all completed. The frieze is being joined together. You will be recognising the different figures in the frieze. For instance, Joe, Luigi and Mario are continuing to build the subway system – followed by the business lady and the hippies.
A long-awaited moment. Let’s see how it might look. Though still in the den, it looks,—amazing!! That is Sue on the right; Colleen Darling on the left. She stitched many of the figures including the Highlander in the kilt.
The organisers checked every figure, every detail and when totally satisfied, they started putting it together. Everything was mounted on plexiglass padded with Fleecy Pellon and covered with factory cotton.
The eighteen panels were mounted in sets of three. The frieze was divided into two parts. The end panels were another two long and narrow panels. All ware laced with linen thread. This was a huge job and needed a new and specialized team led by Georgina Mentis.
Threads and fabrics were packaged and placed inside the frame along with a panel on which every stitcher embroidered her name. Sue also has a list of who stitched every figure and the threads they used.
It was completely finished after six years of detailed planning and stitching, with eight days to spare!
All the sections were packed separately and transported to City Hall in a van.
The long sections of the frieze and end panels would not fit into the elevator and had to be hand-carried up the stairs. The installation team of seven and some City Hall employees installed it in the entrance hallway of the Council Chambers on the third floor.
Presentation Day was memorable. Marie was president and made the speech. The gift was accepted by the Mayor, Art Egleton.
Marie Fenwick, President of the Toronto Guild of Stitchery presents the Toronto Historical Embroidery to the City of Toronto. March 4, 1984
There is one final and wonderful photo of Sue in front of the Embroidery which is both dramatic and gives everyone an idea of the large size of the Embroidery.
I wish that a photo of the completed Toronto Historical Embroidery could be included here. But it is 24 feet long and 6 feet high and that is big. The city provided a three-section folder which shows the entire embroidery and includes some information. It is no longer available after all this time.
I have been trying to include a total photo in two sections but this technology will not cooperate.
And then what happened? The final chapter will be next.
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