Unique exhibition of embroidery coming to Ely

Ely Cathedral will be hosting an exhibition of Ecclesiastical Embroidery in partnership with the Royal School of Needlework, in February.

More than 60 displays will include significant pieces of needlework which have been worked on by the Royal School and which form part of their collection housed at Hampton Court Palace.

One of the highlights of the exhibition, which runs from February 4-28, is six of the twelve Litany of Loreto panels.

They were bequeathed to the school by a convent in Sussex and are rarely on display to the public. Other pieces include depictions of theological figures and symbols using a wide range of threads and techniques, plus some rare examples of white work altar cloths, burses, stoles and chalices.

This unique exhibition will include artefacts from Ely Cathedral’s own collection including a Mediaeval cope, an 18th century gold vestment set and the recently restored white altar frontal.

As part of the event, an 11th century gilded bronze chasuble pin, originally from the tomb of Archbishop Wulfstan at Ely, and gifted to the Society of Antiquaries in 1771, will also feature.

The exhibition is open from 10am-4pm, from Monday to Saturday, and noon to 4pm on Sundays.

Tickets: £8 for adults, £2.50 students, with children under 16 free.

Tickets can be purchased online - tickets.elycathedral.org, via the cathedral box office on 01353 660349 or in person.