Guild of Embroiderers
/We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of Embroiderers who provide a very high standard of Ecclesiastical Embroidery and Needlework, restoring existing ecclesiastical vestments and textiles and designing and creating new pieces for the Cathedral.
The group was instigated by Canon John Armson, former Precentor, in 1999. It was formed to promote the continuing care of the cathedral vestments, which for many years had been designed and made by the late Jennie Miskin and remain in use in the cathedral now.
The Embroiderers are all volunteers whose skills range from dedicated and enthusiastic to qualified. There is, however, strict quality control within the group, and all work is vetted. At the moment they are just completing a 20 year project restoring the Festal Frontal for the High Altar which is approximately 3 metres by 1 metre.
The Festal Super Frontal, photographed just before completion.
The Cathedral Embroiderers, together with Medway NADFAS members, are making 44 new cushions in canvas work for the Clergy Quire Stalls. The enthusiastic fund-raising by members of Medway NADFAS has helped to support the new canvas work.
A new set of Chapter copes and stoles were designed and made by the Embroiderers.
The group meets on Thursdays between 10am and 3pm and are currently at work in the Education building. In the near future they will be moving to the Colyer Fergusson room in the Crypt where visitors will be able to watch them at their exquisite work.
Role profile
A voluntary role conserving and repairing Rochester Cathedral's Ecclesiastical vestments and textiles.
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Recent projects
Recently the Embroiderers helped prepare a Civil War militia coat case in the Big History exhibition in the Crypt and made some alterations to the Lenten vestments. Find out more about some of the historic vestments cared for the Embroiderers:
Become a volunteer
At Rochester Cathedral we are fortunate to have an amazing team of over 300 Volunteers who are essential to the success of the Cathedral as a place of worship and cultural destination.
