Found in storage, restored by hand.
Threads of Faith : Sacred Stitches – Canterbury Cathedral – Restored Nativity Scene
In 2025, Canterbury Cathedral unveiled a newly restored Nativity scene from its historic collections, displayed in the Cathedral Nave.
The figurines, estimated to date from the early to mid-20th century, were found in archival storage in a badly damaged state.
They were returned to Canterbury Cathedral and restored by its volunteer Stitchers, who carefully cleaned the figures and made intricate new clothing for them.
It was a gift that this piece of history was found, skilfully restored and shared again. Throughout Advent and Christmas, visitors can see the figures inside the Cathedral, alongside the much-anticipated life-sized Nativity scene in the grounds, which is being newly restored this year.
The Nativity figures show how a textile can bring a forgotten object back to life. Through the patient work of volunteers, a piece of the Cathedral’s history is once again part of its Christmas celebrations.
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