Discarded lamp-post flags turned into 'unity' artwork

A huge union jack artwork has been created by repurposing discarded flags from unauthorised lamp-post displays as a message of "unity".

Birmingham textile artist Clare Elisabeth said her work, titled Re-Union Jack, incorporated dozens of worn-out flags and was a response to a flag-raising movement that had "caused division in communities across the country".

The names of hundreds of notable figures from across the West Midlands have been added to the piece, with some visiting the project specifically to endorse it by adding their signature.

Elisabeth said the work, created as part of the International Day of Birmingham, celebrated the region's heritage as a "magical melting pot".

Signatories include a descendant of inventor James Watt, and members of reggae bands Steel Pulse and UB40.

The four metre by seven metre artwork was sewn and glued by a small team led by the artist, who usually works with vintage fabrics.

Unauthorised displays of union jacks and St George crosses started appearing around the country last year, including the West Midlands, with various groups behind the movement.

However, their presence in several suburbs of Birmingham led to angry clashes between opposing groups and residents who claimed their presence was divisive rather than patriotic.

Speaking about the artwork, Elisabeth said the piece was a symbol of "togetherness".

"I thought rather than throw them away, there's got to be a way that I can repurpose them into something more positive because they have been causing a lot of division.

"We have had dozens and dozens of people join in the project so it's much more than just ours.

"It's covered in the names of influential people in the Midlands who mean a lot to people and who make the Midlands this magical melting pot that we have."

Names on it include those of Ozzy Osbourne, Duran Duran and Jorja Smith.

The artwork was shown at the city's Council House as part of International Day of Birmingham celebrations on Thursday and Friday.

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