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Threads through Creation
04/03/2022 - 24/04/2022
![](https://www.southwellcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jacqui-Parkinson-3-scaled.jpg)
Creating the world in eight million stitches…
From 4 March, Southwell Minster will be playing host to ‘Threads through Creation’, 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 quirky details such as both accurate and fanciful creatures embroidered into the stories.
Jacqui’s first spectacular exhibition, ‘Threads through Revelation’ toured fourteen cathedrals, including Southwell Minster, and was seen by more than half a million visitors. ‘Threads through Creation’ is just starting a three- year tour to sixteen cathedrals.
Jacqui says, ‘It’s a pleasure to return to Southwell Minster, such a gem of a building. People loved ‘Threads through Revelation’ which is quite a tough subject to follow. Creation is a simpler story: I hope the panels will add a lovely sparkle to everyone’s visit to the Minster.’
Speaking about how she works, Jacqui said: “I start simply with antique bedsheets, which hold their own tales of life and death. Then 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!
Jacqui adds: ‘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.’
The Very Revd Nicola Sullivan, Dean of Southwell said: ‘Jacqui’s work brings astonishing colour and pattern into the Minster’s gentle and peaceful atmosphere. I know that every visitor here will leave with exceptional memories of a fascinating, spectacular exhibition. And every child will love it too’
Open 8am – 5pm