-
Circle of Life at Salvation Army HQ
Worshipful Company of Upholders: Circle of Life Needlework
17th July 2026Salvation Army HQ, Victoria Street
Saintly Stitching ...
Although I'd been saving the date for nearly a year, in the end I was disappointed not to be able to make it to the lunch at Guildhall on 9 July to celebrate the 400th year since the Upholders' Company was granted its charter. However, there are plenty of opportunities to see this remarkable national embroidery project, the 2.3 metre Circle of Life artwork that's been created especially for the anniversary. This funeral pall has been made using a rare and exquisite embroidery stitch called Opus Anglicanum which originated from the medieval period when England was at the height of its embroidery skills, and embraces the use of gold and silver wirework.
Aiden Hart, who designed the anointing screen used at the coronation of King Charles III and to which our own Company contributed, has created thirteen beautiful icon panels, each representing elements in the life of an Upholsterer from cradle to grave, as well as the history of the Upholders' Company. An additional luxury wool cloth has been created which can cover a coffin at a funeral, and to which some of the panels, the crosses, crest and sparvers can be attached.
The woollen embroidery was overseen by the Royal School of Needlework and created by 106 makers from twelve English Cathedrals as well as two from Fine Cell Work, a charity committed to the rehabilitation of prisoners through training and paying them to do exquisite needlework for sale.
It's on display in its spectacular rotating frame until 27 July at the Headquarters of the Salvation Army at 101 Queen Victoria Street, where my sister Gillian has been to see it on my behalf. It's then going on tour around the country for three years, visiting each of the twelve cathedrals that participated in its making.
- Derby
- Durham
- Exeter
- Lichfield
- Lincoln
- Liverpool
- Norwich
- St Alban's
- St Paul's, London
- Salisbury
- Southwell
- Winchester
If you have the opportunity, don't miss it. It is a wonderful celebration of craftsmanship, collaboration and one of England's greatest artistic traditions.