The skill and creativity
of ecclesiastical embroiderer Marion Cantrell is currently
being displayed at St Michael's and All Angels church in
Glassenbury Drive.
The Flower and Embroidery Festival is a celebration of her
lifetime's achievement and draws together many pieces she
has worked on, both to be worn or displayed in church, as
well as showcasing her other talents – she made the
five large colourful pa
nels which hang on the east wall underneath the stunning
but simple stained glass window she also designed, with
a theme of angels' wings and the Holy Spirit.
There is a variety of vestments worn for worship and ceremony,
such as the simple white stole worn by the Reverend David
King himself when he was ordained, through to ornate and
heavy copes and casubles decorated with gold and silver
metallic thread.
There were many flower arrangements throughout the church
as part of the festival, providing great contrast to the
cool and graceful tones of most of the vestments displayed
– particularly the "Cloth of Gold" by Felicity
Parker and the "Purple for Advent" of Carol Birks.
The flower side of the exhibition was organised by Jan Sparkes,
and included the artistry of Jackie Allen, Lynda Titze,
Jennifer Collett, Diane Bristow, Linda Goldsmith, Ruth Gregory,
Hazel Mitten, Rosalyn Putland, and Liz Smith.
Marion said of putting together the festival: "This
has been very much like seeing old friends. I am just very
grateful for the use of this church, the space they have
got, and the support form those who have arranged all the
flowers – because the flowers certainly complement
the work and pick up the colour and design. It is just wonderful."
In the programme she writes: "It has been a privilege
to work for so many places of worship during a 40 year career.
I have been influenced and taught by many artists, craftsmen
and clergy and am grateful to churches and donors who wished
to have vestments and furnishings created for them using
God's gifts to produce things of beauty."
The festival continues Thursday and Friday from 10-5pm,
Saturday from 10-5pm then 7-9pm, and Sunday from midday
until 5pm. The final day will be Monday when the exhibition
can be seen from 10-4pm followed by 7.30pm with a Sung Eucharist
for St Michael's Day.
Refreshments and stalls will be available in the church
halls at the weekend, and there will also be a sales table
supporting the work of Moorfields Eye Hospital. Most of
the proceeds otherwise will go to the provision of better
disabled access to the church.
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