From 28th January to 1st March, 'Threads Through the Bible' is coming to Bath for the first time.
Hosted across three Bath city churches, experience a breathtaking journey through the stories of creation, redemption and revelation in this remarkable exhibition by textile artist Jacqui Parkinson.
Featuring three monumental series - 'Threads Through Creation', 'Threads Through the Cross' and 'Threads Through Revelation' - this is one of the largest textile artworks ever created by a single artist.
Ten years in the making and composed of more than 25 million stitches across 44 panels, this extraordinary display celebrates both artistic devotion and the timeless message of the Bible.
A beautifully designed map will be available from all 3 churches to help direct visitors wishing to explore all the sequences.
A range of stunning merchandise including guidebooks, prints and pieces of original textile work will be available in the Bath Abbey Shop, with a small selection of items also available at the other churches.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Threads Through Creation at St Swithins
St Swithins is playing host to ‘Threads through Creation’ (displayed at Bath Abbey in early 2023), a stunning exhibition of twelve enormous, embroidered silk panels that explore the story of Creation.
Inspired by the poetic verses of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, textile artist Jacqui Parkinson re-imagines this ancient story in a vibrant combination of layers of silk, hand-dyed materials, metallic leathers and gold leaf, miles of thread – and more than eight million stitches!
The panels are huge – 1.5m/8ft high by as much as 4m/13ft wide - and vary in appearance from elemental pieces illustrating the first days to highly complex and lush work as we enter the Garden of Eden.
Jacqui Parkinson’s work is always eye-catching and attractive, designed to be accessible for viewers of all ages. Whilst the serious context of God’s good earth and man’s impact on it underlies the entire exhibition, the embroidery itself is bold and exuberant, with many delightful quirky details such as both accurate and fanciful creatures embroidered into the stories.
Threads Through the Cross at Bath Abbey
At Bath Abbey, 'Threads Through the Cross' will be hosted, starting with the birth of Jesus, before taking the viewer through various scenes in his life, then the cross and resurrection, to Pentecost.
It creates a dramatic link between the 'Creation' and 'Revelation' stories. A children’s trail will be available from the Bath Abbey Welcome Desk to support families to enjoy and explore Threads Through the Cross.
As a working church, the Abbey may be closed to visitors at certain times for services, or private events. Please always check our Opening Times before your visit.
Admission fees apply for Bath Abbey. Groups of 10+ are requested to book in advance, to ensure we can accommodate you.
Threads Through Revelation at St Michael's
St Michael's will be hosting 'Threads Through Revelation', which is the last book in the Bible.
It describes the extraordinary visions of John on the island of Patmos in the first century.
In 22 chapters, about 20 pages, it packs in an extraordinary amount of images and ideas. It has inspired and challenged many artists over the centuries.
About the Artist
Jacqui was born in Manchester, lived for most of her adult life in London until 2008, and now lives in Devon. She set up the Lantern Arts Centre in Wimbledon and taught drama in Kingston. The action-packed storytelling and large visual impact of immense sets can still be seen in her textiles.
Jacqui now principally works in textiles – on a large scale suitable for cathedrals and other large spaces – and she is always open for changes in direction!
How are the panels created?
Speaking about how she works, Jacqui said:
“I start simply with antique bedsheets, which hold their own tales of life and death. Then I gradually build up my stories by quilting the sheets and painting them with fabric dyes. Once that is done, I add layers of silk, which I stitch into place using thick black thread and a free motion sewing machine. This allows me to construct my ‘drawings’ line upon line. Then I add gold and metallic leathers as finishing touches, overall creating great richness as a feast for the eye!"
Together, the panels stretch over80 metres, weaving scenes of beauty, faith and hope with colour and craftsmanship on an awe-inspiring scale.
Discover how art and faith intertwine to tell the greatest story ever stitched.
