Wrought Stitch by Daphne Padwick. Courtesy the artist
The North Transept at Chichester Cathedral is the venue for an exhibition entitled ‘Silent Places, Soaring Spaces’ until Thursday 7 May. The exhibition, staged by the Hampshire-based Force 8 Textile Art Group, is a mix of textile art, which the group describes as ‘inspired by the majesty of cathedrals’.
The vibrant works, 48 in all, use varied media and techniques, including contemporary gold work, silk painting, felt making, painted or printed fabric and papers, some of which have been melted, slashed, free- machine embroidered, hand stitched and embellished.
Cathedral spokeswoman, Ruth Poyner, describes the works as “mesmerising,” adding, “they are all so different and are made up of such an assortment of materials that it is a real treat to walk around them all.
“They are uplifting, too, some drawing from the tranquillity of a cathedral setting and others from the colours and themes of this cathedral’s famous artworks, using for instance the Marc Chagall window or the John Piper tapestry.”
The Door Keeper by Marion Rumfitt. Courtesy the artist
One of the exhibition’s coordinators is Marion Rumfitt, who explains that the eighteen-strong Art Group, had an exhibition at Winchester Cathedral last year, which was very popular, and they want to tour it. “We met at college, and the group is a mixture of textile artists and teachers.”
This is their first exhibition in West Sussex, so they are hoping to attract a positive response.
The Cathedral is open every day until 7.00pm, and entry is free. Further information from the Cathedral Offices 01243 782595 or www.chichestercathedral.org.uk.
