In 1607 the term ‘Adventurers for
Virginia’ was given either to those pioneers who ‘ventured’ their lives, or merchants their fortunes,
in Englands colonising attempts in North America.
In the 21st century todays ‘Adventurers for Virginia’ are those numerous
volunteers who have freely given their time to produce the New World Tapestry. This includes tapissiers, researchers, conservators
and stewards, donors of goods and services, or patrons giving grants towards the exhibition, now in Bristol’s hands,
where friends are needed still.
THE ADVENTURERS FOR VIRGINIA TAPESTRY
On Tuesday July 1st,
1997, in the grand setting of the Barber-Surgeon’s Hall in the City of London and in the presence of the Masters and
Clerks of 18 of the City’s Livery Companies, The Lord Mayor, Alderman Sir Roger Cork, made the First stitch on the 1620
London Companies Adventurers for Virginia Tapestry. The 18 Masters then made their stitches in their own Company’s coat
of arms and in later years 4 other Lord Mayors added theirs too.
The Adventurers Tapestry depicts, in humorous style, the work of the 18 Livery Companies who, in
1620, the year that the Mayflower sailed, gave money to the London Virginia Company to colonise their territory in
North America. It’s a masterpiece of embroidery art now owned by the Worshipful Company of Barbers and displayed in
Barber Surgeons Hall.
