Behind the scenes with the Broderers’ Guild

Behind the scenes at Norwich Cathedral a team of talented volunteers weave their magic with needle and thread to look after the Cathedral’s historic textiles.

The Broderers’ Guild, led by workshop supervisor Helen Jenkins, have been caring for the Cathedral’s beautiful ecclesiastical fabrics since 1998 and also use their needlework skills for specialist work for other churches and organisations across the country.

Each textile has its own story to tell, and one of their most recent projects was particularly unique.

The volunteers have been restoring a beautiful chasuble and stole from St Stephens Church, in Gloucester Road, London, but once upon a time this liturgical attire was actually a wedding dress. It was worn by a bride in a 1920s society wedding who tragically died soon after, and her dress was donated to the parish in which she married so that a set of vestments for clergy could be made in her memory.

Just as the Broderers’ Guild helps to conserve the textiles of the past, the guild’s members also want to preserve their specialist skills for future generations.

In April the guild will be joining forces with groups from Cathedrals across the country to start a very special year-long project to create an elaborate embroidery masterpiece celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Worship Company of Upholders – a City of London livery company - receiving its Royal Charter.

The project – being overseen by the Royal School of Needlework – will see the creation of what is known as an ‘Opus Anglicanum’, a term first coined in the 13th century to describe highly-prized and luxurious embroideries made in England.

This new modern-day Opus Anglicanum aims to be one of the most significant in over 500 years.

Called The Circle of Life, it will be a special showcase for ancient craft techniques and the finished work will be unveiled at the Guildhall in the City of London before touring locations across the country.

In the meantime, you can find out more about the fascinating work of Norwich Cathedral’s Broderers’ Guild by joining one of the guild’s monthly behind the scenes tours.

This year’s tours will be taking place on the following Wednesdays at 2pm: 14 May, 11 June, 23 July, 13 August, 24 September, 22 October and 19 November.

Tickets cost £7 and booking is essential.

To book, email hjenkins@cathedral.org.uk or call 01603 218326.