Bath Abbey is playing host to Threads Through Creation, a stunning exhibition of twelve enormous, embroidered silk panels that explore the story of Creation, and running until 19 March
Inspired by the poetic verses of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, textile artist Jacqui Parkinson has re-imagined 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 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.
“It’s a pleasure to have the exhibition in Bath Abbey, such a lovely tranquil gem of a building,” said Jacqui. “The creation story is a lovely gem in the bible. I hope the panels will add a sparkle to everyone’s visit here.
“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.
“My aim is to capture the wonderful extravagance of the Creation story and to delight people who view it. Despite Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, it remains a story of love and promise, something we can all do with these days.”
For more information, go to www.bathabbey.org/whats-on/threads-through-creation/