Overview

• Between April and November 2024, Hardwick Hall visitors were invited to stitch names of inspirational women into a communal textile titled 'A Virtuous Woman'.
• JK Rowling’s name was added seven times during contributions and later overstiched twice by other participants before the installation opened.
• In May 2025, Jean Hatchet publicly shared images of her and another woman unpicking Rowling’s entries as a corrective measure.
• A National Trust spokesperson said the piece was removed on June 5 for investigation and to shield it from further interference.
• The incident underscores the tensions cultural institutions face in preserving participatory art that involves divisive public figures.