In 2025 visitors could engage and immerse themselves in the biblical story in a way they have never before, through the spectacular silk works of textile artist Jacqui Parkinson.
Threads through the Bible is a culmination of ten years’ work, combining three astonishing exhibitions: ‘Threads through Creation’, ‘Threads through the Cross’ and ‘Threads through Revelation’. In total there was 38 silk panels, stretching 80 meters in length with more than 25 million stitches!
Jaqui Parkinson was born in Manchester and now lives in Devon. She is a former drama teacher, with her love for the dramatic and care to detail evident in her artwork. Her Christian faith is fundamental to her work. She holds a principal interest in bringing the message of God’s love through her artwork, providing information, affirmation, questions, encouragement and pleasure.
Jacqui goes through a unique process when creating her art, starting with old bed sheets as a base, as she takes to the idea of using a canvas that holds memories of happiness and sorrow. She quilts them, paints them and overlays layers of silk. She then stitches these and cuts through to reveal the layers beneath. She includes appliquéd items such as metallic leathers and gold leaf. Jacqui’s past work ‘Threads through Revelation’ toured the country’s cathedrals from 2016-2018 as did ‘Threads through Creation’ from 2021-2024.
This exhibition joined the two together and tell the overarching story of the bible. It took the viewer from the ‘all is initially good’ of genesis, through the life and death of Jesus, back to ‘all is good again’ of revelation, resulting in a unique, celebratory piece of art.
Take part…
More and More Angels! A Threads Through The Cross Workshop
Join us for a fun and imaginative workshop inspired by the stunning Threads Through the Bible exhibition! This hands-on session invites participants to explore angelic imagery featured in the exhibition’s Cross and Revelation panels and create their own 3D angel to take home.
17th January – 2 PM
New Creation: A Threads Through Revelation Workshop
Let your imagination take flight in this creative workshop inspired by Panel 14: New Creation from the Threads Through the Bible exhibition. Explore ideas about heaven and express your vision of home through art and craft.
18th January – 2 PM
The Thread of God’s Care: Praying with ‘Threads through the Bible’
Join us for a special day of prayer and quiet reflection led by Revd Dr Sally Harper and Liz Shields, inspired by Jacqui Parkinson’s extraordinary exhibition, Threads Through the Bible.
8th February – 10:30 AM
A special thank you to the Cathedral Friends for making this exhibition possible.