7 March - 5 May 2025
Opening times (please see exclusions below)
Monday - Saturday*: 10am-4pm
Sundays: 12.30-3pm
We are delighted to be just the second place in the world to host the artistic masterpiece that is Threads through the Bible by extraordinary textile artist Jacqui Parkinson.
Threads through the Bible is made up of three huge sequences, ‘Threads through Creation’, ’Threads through the Cross’ and ‘Threads through Revelation’ to create one incredible display of textile art. ‘Threads through Creation’ and ‘Threads through Revelation’ have been displayed in many cathedrals in Britain: this is the first time they will come together with ‘Threads through the Cross’. It's a rare opportunity not to be missed. This year there are only three places to see this astonishing exhibition – Liverpool Cathedral, Southwell Minster and Ely Cathedral.
Through an inspiring journey across the 44 huge panels, Jacqui guides the viewer from the first pages of the Bible in Threads through Creation, through key moments in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in Threads through the Cross, to the extraordinary visions of the last book in the Bible, in Threads through Revelation. This unique and celebratory exhibition offers a transformative encounter with one of the world’s greatest stories.
Taking ten years to create, this 44 panel exhibition is made up of more than 25 million stitches and if presented side by side, would stretch more than 80 metres.
This will probably be not only the largest textile project by a single artist ever, but also the largest textile project for over 600 years. It will be astonishing in its scale and variety and we’re very excited to be able to host this wonderful installation at Southwell Minster.
Don’t miss this powerful and moving display of faith, art, and storytelling and your chance to witness this exceptional journey through the Bible’s narrative in silk artistry.
Entry: suggested donation of £5 per person or £10 for families would be greatly encouraged. Did you know it costs over £3,000 per day to keep the Minster open?
Dates to note - entry to the exhibition will be limited during the following times:
- Friday 2 May - there will be a free lunchtime concert from 1.30-2.15pm. Visitors are welcome to both the exhibition and the concert, but we ask you to be mindful of the performance. There will also be a rehearsal at 11am so some noise is to be expected.
- *Saturday 3 May: Due to a memorial service, the exhibition will be closed until 12.30pm.
- *Monday 5 May, there will be an organ recital at 3.30pm. Visitors are still welcome but we ask you to be mindful of the performance.
Here’s a summary of what you can expect to see:
Threads through Creation
The first twelve beautiful textile panels re-imagine the creation story from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. This is where we see God creating light, sky, animals and so on … it’s a journey where you through the beginnings of time.
Threads through the Cross
‘Threads through the Cross’ picks out key moments in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Eighteen huge panels display touching images of the journey leading up to the crucifixion. What did Jesus have to go through? And why? What happened next?
Threads through Revelation
Finally, you’ll see extraordinary and often scary pictures of the end of the world as described in the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. In fourteen breathtaking panels, you’ll witness challenging images and thoughts, overarching themes about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, life and faith, good and evil, death and judgement, and a wonderful New Heaven and New Earth.
A big thank you to Ecclesiastical for sponsoring this exhibition and helping bring it to Southwell. 
