Beauty spot blaze sewn up in picture

A piece of embroidery depicting the fires which devastated a beauty spot in Staffordshire over three decades ago will be displayed at its visitor centre from tomorrow.

Late artist Margeth Lingwood was inspired to create the piece by the blaze which destroyed parts of Cannock Chase in the heatwave of 1976. She also drew upon her memories of the spectacular sunsets that she viewed during walks on the Chase. Margeth, a founder member of the Staffordshire branch of the Embroiderer's Guild, died aged 91 in 2006.

Her friends and family were keen to find the right home for her work.

They will be presenting the picture to staff at the Marquis Drive centre on what would have been Margeth's 93rd birthday

The artwork will then be hung in pride of place at Staffordshire County Council's visitor centre café.

The picture is a mixture of traditional embroidery stitches and techniques including quilting and padding. It combines dark, rich velvet and suede with brightly coloured chiffon and organza with heavy stitching and beads.

Stafford resident Jane Dew became close friends with Margeth after teaching her embroidery at Stafford College of Art from 1968 until 1976.

She described her as having a rare talent for the skill as well as a real passion for Cannock Chase.

She said: "Margeth was a wonderful person who has created some outstanding pieces of work. We would often enjoy walks on Cannock Chase and I have some lovely memories of our time together there.

"I am sure Margeth would be giggling with joy to know that her work is going to be on display at the Chase. She was a very passionate person and it's wonderful to know that the work that she dedicated so much time to will be on show for others to enjoy."

County councillor John O'Leary said the work offered a valuable insight into how the forest fire affected people at the time. "This embroidery is extremely powerful," he said, "both in the way it looks as well as by demonstrating the affect that this terrible fire had on people."