Lincoln Cathedral volunteers taking part in historic Opus Anglicanum embroidery project

The volunteers who make up Lincoln Cathedral Needlework Guild are taking part in a national project to create one of the largest pieces of ecclesiastical embroidery in the last 500 years.

The project, which has been sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Upholders, a City of London Livery Company which dates back to 1360, will involve teams of volunteers from 12 cathedrals in cities across England.

Designed by internationally known iconographer Aidan Hart and called ‘The Circle of Life’, the finished textile masterpiece will be two metres in diameter, making it the most significant piece of Opus Anglicanum embroidery produced since the Fishmongers Pall in 1530.

The project aims to raise the profile of the volunteer embroiderers who work in cathedrals across the country creating and caring for historic ecclesiastical textiles, and hopefully encourage more embroidery enthusiasts to volunteer with their local cathedral group.

‘Opus Anglicanum’ is the Latin for ‘English work’ and refers to a highly prized style of medieval English embroidery, particularly popular in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was known for the intricate designs in gold and silver threads on velvet or linen. 

The ancient craft techniques used represent the pinnacle of hand stitch craft. Potential new recruits may be confident that specialist embroidery skills are not essential, since the project will be fully supported by the Royal School of Needlework, who will provide participants with all the necessary mentoring and training.

Jane Drummond, team leader of the Lincoln Cathedral group for the project said, "We are honoured to be part of this important national initiative to create a historically significant masterpiece and hope that it will inspire those with a passion for embroidery and textiles to learn more.”

The Upholders, who are sponsoring the project, are one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company was formed on 1 March 1360 and incorporated by a Royal Charter granted by King Charles I in the year 1626. The term “Upholder” is an archaic word for “upholsterer”. In past times Upholders carried out not just the manufacture and sale of upholstered goods but were cabinet makers, undertakers, soft furnishers, auctioneers and valuers.

Production of the artwork began in April and will be completed by April 2026. 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.