CC107 Pilgrims’ Christmas Stockings inspired by 12th century stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral (exclusive)
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£170.00
Please note this is an onsite RSN Experience Class which will run from 10am-4pm at Canterbury Cathedral
Join us at Canterbury Cathedral to create and embroider these beautiful Christmas decorations inspired by the boots worn by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket. You will also have the opportunity to see the stunning glass window depicting the pilgrimage and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Stained Glass Studio with Director, Léonie Seliger.
These colourful tree decorations are inspired by the handsome red and gold stockings worn by pilgrims journeying to Canterbury as seen in the 12th century stained-glass windows in the Trinity Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral.
The motif was designed by RSN Tutor, Helen Stevens and during the class she will teach you a range of stitches including Couching, Fly stitch, Spangles and crystals with Buttonhole to finish off. Your kit will include red and gold silk fabric and all the materials to make the two decorations. You may choose which colour to work on during the class and each decoration is approx. 9cm in height.
All aspects of the motif will be covered during the class and a full instruction booklet will be included in the kit to enable you to complete the second embroidery at home.
The class cost includes all materials and necessary equipment . You may like to bring your own embroidery scissors and magnifiers if you need them, but you will be able to borrow ring frames and scissors on the day.
This event includes entrance to the Cathedral. You will be able to visit the Cathedral after the class until 5pm.
Joining Instructions:
Registration commences at 9.45am and please meet the Shepherds at the Christ Church Gate or the Welcome Centre who will guide you to the Community Studio overlooking the main entrance to the Cathedral.
Complimentary coffee and tea will be served on arrival, but please note that in general, food and drink (other than bottled water) may not be consumed in the classroom. Please bring a packed lunch to eat in a designated space or you might like to visit the Cathedral refreshment kiosk. The kiosk is open from 10 to 15.00 in the Cathedral’s Precincts and serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Blue Badge Parking: there is limited parking on site and this must be booked in advance with [email protected] but cannot be guaranteed.
Plan your visit to the venue: HERE
Canterbury Miracle Windows - background information
Thomas Becket was killed in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. He was buried in a tomb in the Crypt. Between 1171-1173, Benedict of Peterborough, a Canterbury monk, wrote a long collection of Becket’s miracles containing more than 275 stories. In mid-1180, the first miracle window (in which these pilgrim boots appear) was made and placed in the Cathedral.
In summer 2018, supported by a grant from The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, Leonie Seliger, Director of the Stained Glass Studio, and Professor Rachel Koopmans of York University, Toronto, removed the first miracle window (it is one of eight windows) in a pilot project to examine the window to establish how much original medieval glass remains, to move some of the panels back into their rightful original position within the window, and to clean and conserve the window for generations to come.
"This work taught us more about some of the oldest glass in the Cathedral. We learned that one panel, which had been assumed to be a Victorian replacement, was actually medieval – and it is therefore the earliest known depiction of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury," says Seliger.
RSN and The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral have a long history of collaboration. In 1935 Dr E W Tristam designed a fabulous Friends of Canterbury Cathedral banner which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. It is currently on display in a darkened area of the Crypt.
Please note this is an onsite RSN Experience Class which will run from 10am-4pm at Canterbury Cathedral
Join us at Canterbury Cathedral to create and embroider these beautiful Christmas decorations inspired by the boots worn by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket. You will also have the opportunity to see the stunning glass window depicting the pilgrimage and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Stained Glass Studio with Director, Léonie Seliger.
These colourful tree decorations are inspired by the handsome red and gold stockings worn by pilgrims journeying to Canterbury as seen in the 12th century stained-glass windows in the Trinity Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral.
The motif was designed by RSN Tutor, Helen Stevens and during the class she will teach you a range of stitches including Couching, Fly stitch, Spangles and crystals with Buttonhole to finish off. Your kit will include red and gold silk fabric and all the materials to make the two decorations. You may choose which colour to work on during the class and each decoration is approx. 9cm in height.
All aspects of the motif will be covered during the class and a full instruction booklet will be included in the kit to enable you to complete the second embroidery at home.
The class cost includes all materials and necessary equipment . You may like to bring your own embroidery scissors and magnifiers if you need them, but you will be able to borrow ring frames and scissors on the day.
This event includes entrance to the Cathedral. You will be able to visit the Cathedral after the class until 5pm.
Joining Instructions:
Registration commences at 9.45am and please meet the Shepherds at the Christ Church Gate or the Welcome Centre who will guide you to the Community Studio overlooking the main entrance to the Cathedral.
Complimentary coffee and tea will be served on arrival, but please note that in general, food and drink (other than bottled water) may not be consumed in the classroom. Please bring a packed lunch to eat in a designated space or you might like to visit the Cathedral refreshment kiosk. The kiosk is open from 10 to 15.00 in the Cathedral’s Precincts and serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
Blue Badge Parking: there is limited parking on site and this must be booked in advance with [email protected] but cannot be guaranteed.
Plan your visit to the venue: HERE
Canterbury Miracle Windows – background information
Thomas Becket was killed in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. He was buried in a tomb in the Crypt. Between 1171-1173, Benedict of Peterborough, a Canterbury monk, wrote a long collection of Becket’s miracles containing more than 275 stories. In mid-1180, the first miracle window (in which these pilgrim boots appear) was made and placed in the Cathedral.
In summer 2018, supported by a grant from The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, Leonie Seliger, Director of the Stained Glass Studio, and Professor Rachel Koopmans of York University, Toronto, removed the first miracle window (it is one of eight windows) in a pilot project to examine the window to establish how much original medieval glass remains, to move some of the panels back into their rightful original position within the window, and to clean and conserve the window for generations to come.
“This work taught us more about some of the oldest glass in the Cathedral. We learned that one panel, which had been assumed to be a Victorian replacement, was actually medieval – and it is therefore the earliest known depiction of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury,” says Seliger.
RSN and The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral have a long history of collaboration. In 1935 Dr E W Tristam designed a fabulous Friends of Canterbury Cathedral banner which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. It is currently on display in a darkened area of the Crypt.
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