Stitching Together the Stopher Story
‘Take Thick with the Light’ – Stitching Together the Stopher Story – Suffolk and World War 1
I was the Lead Artist and Project Manager for this project in partnership with the Suffolk Archives, The Hold, University of Suffolk and was generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This story is about the lives of an ordinary Suffolk family and their experiences during the First World War. It examines the connection between heritage, art and wellbeing through a series of letters sent to and from the Front, written by two brothers, George and Albert Stopher and their family and sweethearts.
The story is told mainly through a series of stitched artworks. Art allows us to examine what it means to be human and to bring ideas and people together. Objects and their stories resonate with our own helping us to feel more connected to our community and its history.
George and Albert Stopher Handstitched onto linen bag donated by the Stopher family 2019
ALBERT STOPHER 1898 – 1916
I hope this war will soon be over as I am fed up with it and want to be a civilian once more. I think I was very lucky to dodge this great advance if I was there I don’t expect I should have never seen England again but you see luck has come my way at last I have been waiting for a year so I think its time. I don’t want to go out to France anymore I think Ive done my share and its time some of the slackers went. Albert to Ethel 1916
GEORGE STOPHER 1896 – 1917
I have no news to tell because I have only just come from the trenches and I do not feel very well but I hope to get letters soon I could fancy something nice now I was done to the world when we came out it took 5 hours to get out but do not get down-hearted over this because a few day’s rest will put me right so I wish you and all the best of luck I close with love to all. George to Lydia and Herbert 1917
Ethel Stopher Handstitched onto vintage linen 2019
ETHEL STOPHER 1892 – 1979
“I havent got my uniform yet but when I get it I shall have my photo taken and send it to you dear Ethel.” Albert to Ethel 1914
“I am sending you a Suffolk Brooch for your Birthday I expect you think I had nearly forgotten you as it seems ages since I last saw you or wrote to you last.” Albert to Ethel 1914
“If you are as tired of service as I am of this then I pity you but I suppose we will have to put up with it.” Albert to Ethel 1916
“I don’t think much of your photo I think you look very old, but that doesn’t matter as long as I’ve got something in remembrance of you.” Albert to Ethel 1916
“I am getting tired of this place as it is so lonely I wish you could come and see me but it is too far for you to come.” Albert to Ethel 1916
Lydia Stopher Handstitched onto vintage linen 2019
LYDIA STOPHER 1866 – 1944
I think you can pluck up and try and send us a few happy letters not downhearted one like this one. Don’t write if you cannot write more happier a one don't forget we all happy and we want happiness with love from both of us. We are the boys you to be proud off not worry about. George to Lydia 1915
I dont know what up with mother she sent me a letter some time this week. It seems to me that she is worrying about us. It was not worth reading it was full of the things that she must forget as we look to come back to home again not on the other side at all so go cheer her up for me. George to Ethel 1915
I am longing for a change just now its just a month since I put on my shirt it is getting a bit dirty now and if you can send a pair of socks please do so George to Lydia 1915
I thought that things were a bit settled after I told you about things when I was at home before What has been worrying you you ought to keep things a bit more to yourself Because I feel as I could give you a good talking and I dread coming home after this lot you cannot think what a time you a leading me its to bad and I cannot stand a lot more of it so now try and keep this a bit to yourself Ive tried to get on with my things and I think I acted like a son ought to have done Ive done my best to cheer you and I think are doing the worst you can for me. George to Lydia 1915
Albert Stopher Handstitched onto vintage handkerchief 2020
ALBERT STOPHER 1898 – 1916
I expect you think I am a long time coming home. It isn’t like you said in the letter you wrote, when the fields are white with daisies I’ll return. Albert to Lydia 1916
George Stopher Handstitched onto a vintage handkerchief 2020
GEORGE STOPHER 1896 – 1917
Give my love to all and hope for the best to come I shall be glad when your words come true the weather is getting nasty now and not very good walking now you can gess tell Father to look to my roses and my Apple trees I shall soon be coming to look after them myself. George to Lydia and Herbert 1917