As we mark 80 years of discovery, exploration, and connection with the universe, we invite the public to join us in a celebratory project – Cosmic Threads – a community quilt inspired by the celestial marvels that Jodrell Bank has uncovered.

Working with textile artist Anne Kelly, this project encourages participants to share their personal connections to the wonders of the cosmos, with the finished art piece joining our permanent collection.

The Creative Challenge:

We are calling on individuals and groups to create a 23 cm x 23 cm (9-inch x 9-inch) textile panel that reflects the themes of Jodrell Bank’s extraordinary history and its ongoing contributions to our understanding of the universe. Each square will become a part of the larger quilt, embodying the spirit of Jodrell Bank’s 80-year journey.

Themes to Inspire Your Creation:

To kickstart your creativity, take a look at our mood board (below) and these four conceptual ideas:

• Waves of Discovery: Explore the unseen forces that shape our universe – radio waves, gravitational waves, and the power of discovery. Imagine the quiet hum of the Lovell Telescope as it listens to distant stars, or the moment a scientific breakthrough ripples through time and space.
• The Cosmic Connection: Create a visual representation of the vast, interconnected web of the universe. Think of the intricate ways celestial bodies interact, from distant galaxies to the small interactions between particles, reflecting the unity of all things in the cosmos.
• Wonder and Curiosity: Celebrate the awe that Jodrell Bank has inspired in those who’ve listened to its discoveries. Let your piece reflect the sense of wonder that has driven generations of scientists to reach for the stars.
• Signal from the Stars: Consider the role of the telescope as a powerful instrument that bridges the gap between the Earth and the universe. Your piece could represent the telescope’s lens, capturing the universe’s beauty in a singular, focused view.

Ready to be a part of Jodrell Bank’s lasting legacy? For further details and how to submit your contribution, please read the FAQs below.

We can’t wait to see how you interpret the themes of wonder, curiosity, and discovery that have defined Jodrell Bank over the last 80 years!