Community Flag Designs for Boston’s Tour of Britain visit

Creating Lincolnshire-Inspired Flags for Boston’s Historic Tour Visit

Using the traditional art technique of quilling, participants have been transforming strips of paper into vibrant, multidimensional artworks that have been developed into flag designs.

This September, Boston will welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men for the very first time in the modern era of the race, and Transported is marking the occasion with a special community art project celebrating both the Tour’s arrival and everything that makes Lincolnshire unique.

Transported’s Festival Development Lead, Ruth Pigott, has brought together artists Dovile Sakalauskaite and Emily Cartwright to work with local residents to create a series of colourful flag designs inspired by the race, Boston and the Lincolnshire landscape.

What is Quilling?

Quilling is the process of rolling, shaping and arranging strips of paper to create decorative images and patterns. The strips are carefully glued together to form intricate designs with texture, depth and detail, making it a perfect medium for celebrating local landmarks, landscapes and community identity.

Community Workshops

We’ve already enjoyed three fantastic workshops with South Lincolnshire residents, including:

• The Crafty Coffee Club
• Tonic Health’s HAF Group at Holbeach Hub
• Tonic Health’s HAF Group at Pescod Hall

It has been wonderful to see so many people sharing ideas, stories and creativity while helping to create designs that celebrate Boston’s moment in the spotlight.

Inspired by Lincolnshire

The artwork created through these workshops has taken inspiration from:

• The Lloyds Tour of Britain
• Boston and its local heritage
• Lincolnshire’s landscapes and open skies
• The excitement of welcoming elite cycling to the county

From paper to print

Emily Cartwright took the finished paper designs and translated them into digital designs. They have been transformed into 2 designs.

Thanks to the help of Transported’s University of Lincoln colleague, Emma Osbourn the designs have been printed on fabric to create a collection of 8 celebratory flags to mark the race’s arrival.

The location is to be confirmed, but we’re excited to display them on race day in Boston town centre and to cheer on the riders!

Follow the Project

Keep an eye on our social media channels for:

• Behind-the-scenes updates
• Photos from workshops
• Artist insights
• Final flag designs
• Information about any public displays location