Opus Anglicanum Embroidery at Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral’s embroiderers will be unveiling their work that will become part of the ambitious Opus Anglicanum embroidery project created to mark the 400th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Upholders’ Royal Charter.

Chance to See Historic Opus Anglicanum Embroidery at Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield’s embroiderers are just one of twelve cathedral borderer teams each creating a panel for this major national textile masterpiece, The Circle of Life.

And visitors can see their handiwork for themselves next Monday (17 Feb) when the embroiderers and representatives from the Upholder’s Guild will be in the Cathedral to talk about this historic project and demonstrate the work they have undertaken.

Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Upholders, each cathedral is contributing an embroidered segment to the final piece  which will measure over two metres in diameter and has been  designed by internationally recognised iconographer Aidan Hart who designed the Royal Anointing Screen used by Charles III at his coronation.

When complete, it will be the most significant piece of Opus Anglicanum embroidery created since the Fishmonger Pall of 1530.

The embroidery collaboration between the borderer teams at English cathedrals and prisoners working with the charity Fine Cell Work, started in April 2025 and uses traditional techniques and intricate needlework skills.

Once assembled, the completed work will be displayed at the Guildhall in the City of London to mark the 400th anniversary of the Upholders’ Royal Charter, before touring participating cathedrals across the country.

Lyn Stephenson, representing the Lichfield Cathedral Embroiderers, said:

“It has been a tremendous privilege to contribute to such a significant national project. As a team of seven volunteer embroiderers, we have loved the opportunity to revive medieval needlework techniques, learn new skills, and work together on this beautiful piece. Being part of a collaboration with cathedrals across the country is something very special, and we warmly invite visitors to come along on 17 February to talk with us, see our progress, and discover more about this remarkable artwork.”

Visitors can see the Lichfield panel – an outline of the Cathedral worked onto blue fabric – before it is collected by the Worshipful Company of Upholders. The second piece will then be taken to the Royal School of Needlework in March, where it will be joined with the eleven other panels from cathedrals across the country.