'Developed during the Coronavirus pandemic, this piece contains hand tufted carpet embedded in a traditional rug (120cm diameter).

“Hic incipit pestis” is a Latin phrase that was scribbled in the margins of the Stratford on Avon parish register in 1564. Its meaning is literally ‘here begins the plague’ and it was a beginning. The plague lasted on and off for around 300 years. These words were recorded against the first plague death in the parish - that of apprentice weaver Oliver Gunne on 11 June 1564 – a mere 3 months after the same register records Shakespeare’s birth. Shakespeare was apparently saved from the plague by his parents isolating the family from immediate threats.

Working with carpet implies how this current pandemic has settled into our most intimate settings - our domesticity has been disrupted. It’s a reminder for us to consider how long we may need to live with this as part of our lives but also how textiles can bring comfort.'

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- Sally Spinks