February 2012 - Ely Cathedral
The 'Quaker Tapestry Roadshow' as we call it, has travelled to over 150 venues in the UK, Europe and America in the last 20 years.
Join us to see the Tapestry for the first time at Ely Cathedral from 31 January to 29 February 2012. To view the exhibition lealfet click here
The free exhibition, in the Lady Chapel of the cathedral also includes a film, audio guides, children’s activities, gift shop and opportunities to see embroiderers working.
Opening times are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Groups of 15 or more should book in advance and will be given a welcome introductory talk. Please telephone 01539 722975 or email info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk
We look forward to seeing you there!
The following text is a selection from the Ely Cathedral website:
"Entering the Lady Chapel you meet a gracious, light and open space. The thirteenth and fourteenth centuries saw the rise of the cult of the Virgin Mary, and chapels in her honour were added to many churches and cathedrals, including Ely. This chapel is exceptional as it is by far the largest attached to any British cathedral. Its foundations were laid in 1321, just before the collapse of the central tower, and work continued despite the disaster. Its construction was overseen by John of Wisbech, whose memorial lies just in front of the doors.
It was completed in 1349, when it would have looked very different from today. It was highly coloured, with windows alive with stained glass and painted statues in the niches.
Above the altar is a new statue of Mary by David Wynne. It was installed in the year 2000, the third of the millennium sculptures. Most representations of Mary are passive, holding the child Jesus on her knee. Here she is expressive, exulting in the news that she is to be the mother of the Saviour. On the base of the statue are her words from St Luke's Gospel: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord' (Luke 1.38).
The floor of Purbeck marble is the latest addition to the Cathedral. Laid in 2001, it incorporates under-floor heating, making it possible to use the chapel in the winter months. Also designed by Jane Kennedy, it is inspired by medieval floors, with its 'carpets' of different patterns laid between darker aisles and borders."