Tapestry of life

1066 and all that was a real labour of love for this dedicated tube worker who spent more than 20 years recreating the famous Bayeux Tapestry single handed.

Annette Banks, 46, was one of the eleven children of Canning Town postman Walter Sainsbury and his wife Pauline. But the happy family were devastated when they learned Annette, their seventh child, had Cushing’s Syndrome and may not see her 20th birthday.

The disease meant the little girl was hyper active and her growth was stunted. She also had over active adrenal glands and became severely obese. By her teens she was only 4’2" tall, but her large body and 38" waist made her shy away from the world. So she started to sew.

Her aunts were talented artists and embroiderers and Annette still had a sampler made by her great, great aunt in 1886. So using embroidery threads given to her for Christmas and birthdays, she started to practice the stitches she had learned at primary school.

Her illness caused her to miss a lot of schooling but amazingly she still achieved 11 'O' levels at grade A. Soon she was spending seven hours a day on her embroidery. Without the help of any patterns, she created a number of tapestries of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and of historical figures sometimes using pillow cases as her canvas.

She had a passion for English History and her Dad suggested she should have a go at making a replica of the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Completed in the 1070’s and over 70 metres long, the tapestry depicts the Norman invasion of England in 1066.

"It was the first time I had seen my tapestry’s full length. It looked quite good. But the real thing made me want to make mine longer, so I made up my own ending, adding another 5’ to it." She lined the finished article and embroidered her name on it.

Annette has tried to have it exhibited in local museums but nowhere is big enough. "English Heritage may use it as part of their Battle of Hastings re-enactment in October. First I want to take it to my Dad’s grave in Hendon. I promised I would finish it for him and take it to his grave and show him."

Also embroidered on the tapestry are the words: "Dedicated to my wonderful father who has always given me inspiration." Annette said: "Although I was one of eleven children I was a bit spoilt by my Dad because of my illnessand I know he would have been thrilled I lived to finish the tapestry."