Threads through Creation – by Eileen

.. spectacular scenes in fabric

I went to Rochester Cathedral, Kent to see this Exhibition of works by Jacqui Parkinson - and I was not disappointed.

This is Jacqui’s second large project, her first being Threads through Revelation which consisted of fourteen panels re-imagining the last book of the Bible. These exhibits visited fourteen Cathedrals between 2016 and 2018 – how did I miss it?

The current Exhibition has a collection of twelve hangings inspired by the first pages of the Bible and has an amazing eight million stitches and uses miles of black thread.

Jacqui’s inspiration and use of colour and fabrics is absolutely amazing. The way the panels are hung in Rochester allows you to get very close to the works and study the intricacies of the stitching and piecing and then stand back and view the piece as a whole. The works are very large panels, one can only wonder how they are laid out, put together and then stitched.

The entry into Rochester Cathedral is free, there is a small brochure and a larger book, plus postcards available to purchase relating to the Exhibition. There were a couple of her smaller pieces of original work, ready framed, available to purchase.

Jacqui is currently working on her third huge exhibition entitled Threads Through the Cross. I will certainly be looking to see when and where this Exhibition will be held.

For more information and to view the panels, visit Jacqui’s website www.jacqui-textile.com

Although the twelve panels have their basis in the Bible, there is value for anyone with an interest in crafts and textiles. I would encourage anyone interested in textiles to visit this Exhibition.

The display at Rochester Cathedral runs until 3rd September when it moves to Porstmouth from 6th September until 15th October. From 18th October until 27th November it will be in Wells Cathedral. Jacqui’s website has the dates for where the display will be held in 2024.