“Coat of Hopes” comes to the South Downs
A very special coat is coming to Lewes in the new year as a powerful reminder of the power of community to tackle threats to the natural world.
Bull House, the Lewes home of one of America’s founding father’s Thomas Paine, will be welcoming “The Coat of Hopes” on Sunday, 4 January.
The arrival of the coat will launch the 2026 programme of Thomas Paine: Legacy, for a busy year exploring freedom, liberty and democracy in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.
Instigated by Lewes-based artist Barbara Keal, the Coat of Hopes is a powerful community artwork made from blanket patches stitched with people’s hopes in response to the climate and ecological emergency. Having been made on a walk of 2,000 miles across the UK, and worn by hundreds in an ever-growing pilgrimage, the Coat’s arrival in Lewes marks a significant moment for Thomas Paine: Legacy, whose activity next year will be inspired by Paine’s words “we have it in our power to begin the world over again.”
The day begins with an 8-mile walk from Brighton to Lewes, open to all. At 3pm, the public is invited to welcome the Coat at Cliffe Bridge, accompanying it up the High Street, including a stop at Lewes Climate Hub, before it goes on display at Bull House.
Throughout January, visitors are invited to come into Bull House to reflect on the Coat’s message and to set their own intentions for the year ahead.
Leanne O’Boyle, Director of Thomas Paine: Legacy, said: “As we approach the anniversary of Paine’s Common Sense, I’m delighted to work with Barbara Keal and the Coat of Hopes team as this remarkable artwork returns to Lewes, encouraging people to think about the future of their own communities.”
Barbara said: “The enormity of climate and ecological breakdown begs us to recognise our dependence on each other to maintain a world which is liveable. The energy to “begin the world over again” must come from love, and a willingness to act on behalf of others.
Find out more at coatofhopes.uk To join the walk, email yes@coatofhopes.uk