Derby Cathedral volunteers in historic Opus Anglicanum embroidery project

The Worshipful Company of Upholders, a City of London Livery Company which dates back to 1360, is sponsoring a major project that will include the volunteer embroidery team at Derby Cathedral as participants in the production of a textile masterpiece, using traditional craft techniques last used on such a scale over 500 years ago.

Twelve volunteer teams from twelve Cathedrals from English cities have been chosen to take part in this exciting project. Designed by internationally known iconographer Aidan Hart, the project will increase the profile of the Cathedral embroidery team.

One of the objectives of the project is to attract new volunteers to strengthen existing teams within our cathedrals, and we hope that new volunteers might want to join our Embroidery team after they see the amazing work they do.

Over two metres in diameter The Circle of Life will be the most significant piece of Opus Anglicanum embroidery produced since the Fishmongers Pall in 1530. The ancient craft techniques used in this piece of work will represent the pinnacle of hand stitch craft. The project will be fully supported by the Royal School of Needlework, who will provide our embroiderers with all the necessary mentoring and training.

Production of the artwork will begin at each of the twelve Cathedrals in April 2025 and will be completed a year later. Once assembled, the finished work is planned to be unveiled at the Guildhall in the City of London as part of the celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the grant of the Livery Company’s Royal Charter. It will then be exhibited at venues around the country, including the participating cathedrals. We will keep everyone up to date when the exhibition is planned for Derby Cathedral.

The team leader for the project, Janet Poole, said, “Derby Cathedral Workshop were thrilled to be chosen to help in this special piece of Embroidery work. We hope this publicity will encourage others to come and join us to help and learn so that this valued work may continue. This year the Workshop is celebrating 70 years of support to Derby Cathedral and the Diocese ”.