Threads Through the Bible

Worship with us at the Abbey safely. A number of our services are ticketed.

From 28th January to 1st March, ‘Threads Through the Bible’ is coming to Bath for the first time.

Hosted across three Bath city churches, experience a breathtaking journey through the stories of creation, redemption and revelation in this remarkable exhibition by textile artist Jacqui Parkinson.

Ten years in the making and composed of more than 25 million stitches across 44 panels, this extraordinary display celebrates both artistic devotion and the timeless message of the Bible.

A beautifully designed map will be available from all 3 churches to help direct visitors wishing to explore all the sequences.

A range of stunning merchandise including guidebooks, prints and pieces of original textile work will be available in the Bath Abbey Shop, with a small selection of items also available at the other churches.

Threads Through Creation at St Swithins

St Swithins is playing host to ‘Threads through Creation’ (displayed at Bath Abbey in early 2023), a stunning exhibition of twelve enormous, embroidered silk panels that explore the story of Creation.

Inspired by the poetic verses of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, textile artist Jacqui Parkinson re-imagines this ancient story in a vibrant combination of layers of silk, hand-dyed materials, metallic leathers and gold leaf, miles of thread – and more than eight million stitches!

The panels are huge – 1.5m/8ft high by as much as 4m/13ft wide – and vary in appearance from elemental pieces illustrating the first days to highly complex and lush work as we enter the Garden of Eden.

Jacqui Parkinson’s work is always eye-catching and attractive, designed to be accessible for viewers of all ages. Whilst the serious context of God’s good earth and man’s impact on it underlies the entire exhibition, the embroidery itself is bold and exuberant, with many delightful quirky details such as both accurate and fanciful creatures embroidered into the stories.

Threads Through the Cross at Bath Abbey

At Bath Abbey, ‘Threads Through the Cross’ will be hosted, starting with the birth of Jesus, before taking the viewer through various scenes in his life, then the cross and resurrection, to Pentecost.

Admission fees apply for Bath Abbey. Groups of 10+ are requested to book in advance, to ensure we can accommodate you.

Creative Quiet Day – Threads Through the Bible | Sat 28 February at 9:30 am until 4:30 pm

Threads Through Revelation at St Michael’s

St Michael’s will be hosting ‘Threads Through Revelation’, which is the last book in the Bible.

It describes the extraordinary visions of John on the island of Patmos in the first century.

In 22 chapters, about 20 pages, it packs in an extraordinary amount of images and ideas. It has inspired and challenged many artists over the centuries.

About the Artist

Jacqui was born in Manchester, lived for most of her adult life in London until 2008, and now lives in Devon. She set up the Lantern Arts Centre in Wimbledon and taught drama in Kingston. The action-packed storytelling and large visual impact of immense sets can still be seen in her textiles.

Jacqui now principally works in textiles – on a large scale suitable for cathedrals and other large spaces – and she is always open for changes in direction!

How are the panels created?

Speaking about how she works, Jacqui said:

“I start simply with antique bedsheets, which hold their own tales of life and death. Then I gradually build up my stories by quilting the sheets and painting them with fabric dyes. Once that is done, I add layers of silk, which I stitch into place using thick black thread and a free motion sewing machine. This allows me to construct my ‘drawings’ line upon line. Then I add gold and metallic leathers as finishing touches, overall creating great richness as a feast for the eye!”

Together, the panels stretch over80 metres, weaving scenes of beauty, faith and hope with colour and craftsmanship on an awe-inspiring scale.

Discover how art and faith intertwine to tell the greatest story ever stitched.

Threads Through Creation Related Events

Worship & Services
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1 God’s Handiwork – 12th Feb

2 Stewards of Creation – 19th Feb

3 Beauty and Brokenness – 26 Feb

Using images from the ‘Threads through Creation’ exhibition in the Abbey, services will be themed to express thanksgiving for the beauty of creation and to explore how we are called to live responsibly and sustainably.

Using images from the ‘Threads through Creation’ exhibition in the Abbey, readings, reflections and prayers will shape a thoughtful exploration of what it means to live sustainably as stewards of God’s creation. On 2^nd February the Abbey choir will sing Evensong.

Lunchtime Talks – Tuesdays 1-1.30pm
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Living in gratitude – 28th Feb
Taking our rest – 7th March
Being content – 14th March

Using images from the ‘Threads through Creation’ exhibition in the Abbey, Revd Stephen Girling (Abbey Missioner) will explore what the creation stories in the book of Genesis have to tell us about how we can respond to the climate emergency.

Families & Schools
ExpandFree self-led trails throughout the Abbey are available for the duration of the exhibition. The trail can be downloaded here to print ahead of your visit.

Aimed at KeyStage 2 level (7 – 11 years). Family visitors with parental support will be able to use the trail with children 5 years +. Free copies will also be available at the Welcome Desk.

Activities and tours for schools are available at the link below:

The Abbey may be closed to visitors at certain times for services, or private events. Please always check our Opening Times or with the Abbey Office before visiting.

A special display of manuscripts from our Archive. Admire beautiful calligraphy, discover the skill of Palaeography and decorate an illuminated letter.

Saturday 11^th February

10.00 – 3.00

A rare opportunity to view important manuscripts from the Abbey’s Archive. They will include commemorative books, parish registers, a Book of Remembrance and other examples of finely written documents. There will be the chance to learn the art of Palaeography (deciphering difficult to read writing) from the Abbey’s archivist and volunteers. Come and meet costumed experts in historic medieval Calligraphy who will demonstrate their skills and give families tips to try out quills and nib pens for themselves. Feel inspired by stunning examples of illuminated letters to create your own design using coloured inks, quills and brushes (and crayons for smaller hands!).

Age: 3+

Beautiful designed fabrics are everywhere you look in our ‘Threads through Creation’ exhibition. Enjoy creating your own work of art using appliqué techniques. Choose your favourite colours then cut, stick and perfect your own dolphin, butterfly or giraffe.

Free drop-in. Ages 5+

Stargazing Tours
ExpandIn partnership with Bath Astronomers.

Selected Friday evenings. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Are you fascinated by the night sky? Would you like to spot planets and stars from the top of one of Bath’s historic buildings? Join us for live stargazing at the top of Bath Abbey’s tower.

Travel through history as you ascend 212 steps* up the Abbey’s medieval towers, for a view across the city.

An exclusive after-hours event with limited tickets available.

Please ensure you read the terms and conditions. You will be required to sign the form when you arrive for your tour.

*This is an non-accessible tour, with steep spiral staircases.

Abbey Shop
ExpandA selection of related Threads merchandise will be available in the Abbey Shop for the duration of the exhibition.

Please check the shop opening times before your visit.

Exhibition Alterations

Due to the Abbey being a working church and hosting various events, the Threads Through Creation exhibition will be altered on the following dates and times. The exhibition is still available to view in full, just not in its original positions.