From 9 October to 23 November, Hexham Abbey will play host to ‘Threads through Creation’, a stunning exhibition of twelve enormous, embroidered silk panels which explore the story of creation in the Bible.
Inspired by the first pages of Genesis, textile artist Jacqui Parkinson re-imagines the 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 – almost 3m high - and vary from elemental pieces illustrating the first days, to highly complex, rich work as we enter the Garden of Eden. Touring English cathedrals and major churches this year, it’s one of the largest ever textile art projects by a single person, and took three years to complete.
Jacqui Parkinson’s work is 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, and fun too with many delightful quirky details such as both accurate and fanciful creatures embroidered into the stories.
Jacqui said: “It’s a pleasure to have the exhibition in Hexham Abbey, such a lovely gem of a building. And the creation story is a lovely gem in the Bible. I hope the panels will add a sparkle to everyone’s visit here.
“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.”
Threads through Creation runs at Hexham Abbey from 9 October to 23 November. Admission is free.
For more details, click here.