Cosmic Threads: 80 Years of Discovery

Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement Invites the Public to Celebrate 80th Anniversary with Textile Artist Anne Kelly 

To mark Jodrell Bank’s 80th anniversary, the Centre for Engagement is thrilled to announce a special collaboration with UK-based textile artist Anne Kelly, who will create an extraordinary quilt inspired by our rich history of cosmic discoveries. This summer, the public will also have the opportunity to join the celebrations and contribute their own embroidered square to this historic community project, which will join our permanent collection.

Anne Kelly will host two workshops on 21-22 June 2025 during the summer solstice weekend. These workshops will offer the public the chance to explore the themes of wonder, curiosity, and discovery that have defined Jodrell Bank over the last 80 years and craft their own, personalised square to form part of the quilt. Whether participants are experienced in textile art or complete beginners, they will be guided through the creative process by Anne herself, building a shared tapestry that celebrates our connections to the universe.

The workshops will run from 10.30 am to 15.30 pm each day, and all materials will be provided.

This is an exclusive opportunity, with spaces limited to 20 per session, and tickets are available on the Jodrell Bank website.

There is also the opportunity to get involved from home and send a submission (deadline: 31 August, 2025) for anyone who cannot attend the workshop but still wishes to participate. Further details and inspiration can be found here: https://www.jodrellbank.net/events/80-years-of-jodrell-bank-get-involved/

The project commemorates Jodrell Bank’s landmark moments, starting with the arrival of Sir Bernard Lovell during the Geminid meteor shower, which marked the beginning of our journey into radio astronomy. The quilt will reference key milestones, including the construction of the Mark I Telescope, the detection of Sputnik I in 1957, the discovery of the first double pulsar system, and many more ground-breaking astronomical advances.

The completed quilt will be displayed in the award winning First Light Pavilion, a new state-of-the-art building at Jodrell Bank, from December 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of Lovell’s first arrival on site in 1945.

This community project is just one highlight of our summer textile workshop series spotlighting the cosmic threads that connect us and centred around our upcoming exhibition, A Stitch in Space Time, created in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society.

Anne Kelly shares: "It’s an absolute privilege to be part of Jodrell Bank’s 80th anniversary. Together with the community, we’re crafting something that will beautifully represent the immense and interconnected nature of the universe."

Prof. Teresa Anderson, Director of JBCE said, “We are delighted to partner with Anne Kelly on this symbolic piece, offering the public a unique opportunity to get involved in celebrating Jodrell’s legacy and share their personal connection to the site. I’m excited to welcome this new addition to our permanent collection once completed.”