Clothed in Glory Exhibition

Wednesday 12 February - Sunday 16 March 2025

An exhibition of exquisite embroidery from 1876 to the 1960s, from the archives of the Community of the Sisters of the Church.

A truly unique exhibition showcasing a wide variety of embroidery techniques and styles of ecclesiastical vestments produced by the Sisters and their helpers in their embroidery workroom. Each piece on display has been created with an imaginative use of textiles from silk damasks to dress fabrics.

All the exhibits reflect a number of different skills from fine needlework that has been totally hand sewn and embroidered, through machine stitched with hand sewn embroidery, to more contemporary work that has been machine stitched throughout, with increasing use of braid.

The Sisters frequently practiced the tradition of ‘upcycling’ from before the founding of the Community (1864) and this is especially noticeable within the exhibition particularly in the post WWII exhibits.

The exhibition will also include a beautiful collection of chalice veils from Ely Cathedral’s own collection.

Monday Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: 12pm - 3pm
Please check for any changes to regular opening hours.
Entry is included with a Cathedral Visitor Ticket or Pass.

The Community of the Sisters of the Church was founded in 1870 by Mother Emily Ayckbowm who believed her Community to be called to a life of prayer and active ministry and the extension of God's kingdom here on earth. A ministry of education and social outreach was embarked upon and by 1900 spanned the globe. The embroidery room, whose beginnings predated the founding of the Community, was an important part of this ministry by creating and renovating vestments and other items for use worldwide. Today the Community continues in four countries: Australia, Canada, the Solomon Islands and England.