Description

I am a very special piece of embroidery in the Museum of Cambridge’s collection of hand-stitched crafts.

I was embroidered by a soldier during the First World War while he was convalescing at the temporary hospital on Parker’s Piece. I depict Mother Goose, the protagonist of a famous children’s tale. We sadly don’t know the name of the solider, why he chose to embroider this piece, how he learned these craft skills, or what happened to him after the War.

I was lucky enough to be donated to the Museum in 1962 so that visitors can learn a little about the stories of soldiers in Cambridge during the Great War. I am over 100 years old and very delicate, and must be kept in a dry, temperate environment to ensure I don’t grow mould or attract pests.

Adopt me today and you’ll be supporting the care of this unique piece of Cambridge’s history.