This summer, Sheffield Cathedral will be transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colour, silk, and sacred storytelling, as it welcomes the stunning exhibition Threads through the Cross by renowned textile artist Jacqui Parkinson. Opening on Thursday 7 August, the exhibition invites visitors on a powerful journey through the final days of Jesus’s life – and what came after – told through 18 bold and beautiful stitched panels.
Each piece is a visual feast: monumental in scale, rich in detail, and bursting with emotion. Crafted using hand-dyed silks, leather, metallic threads, gold leaf and millions of tiny stitches, these artworks are as much theatre as they are textile. With a background in drama and a flair for the dramatic, Jacqui brings the story to life in a way that is immersive, accessible, and profoundly moving. There are moments of awe, sorrow, joy, and even playfulness threaded throughout – all inviting the viewer to reflect, respond, and reimagine a familiar story in a new light.
Threads through the Cross is the second in Jacqui’s trilogy of large-scale exhibitions exploring the Christian narrative. Following the success of Threads through Creation, which drew thousands to cathedrals across the country (including Sheffield), this next chapter focuses on Holy Week, the crucifixion, resurrection, and Pentecost – stitched not just with technical brilliance, but with deep faith and storytelling flair.
A word from the Dean of Sheffield, The Very Revd Abi Thompson:
“It’s a real honour for Sheffield Cathedral to host Threads through the Cross. We strive to be a place for all people, a hub of community, creativity and compassion, and this exhibition brings those values beautifully to life.
Jacqui Parkinson’s work opens up sacred stories in ways that are bold, human and deeply moving. It invites reflection, sparks imagination, and speaks across boundaries of belief or background.
We’re proud to offer this extraordinary exhibition in the heart of our city, freely accessible to all. We hope everyone who visits leaves feeling welcomed, uplifted and inspired.”
To mark the opening, Jacqui will host two artist-led tours at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday 7 August, at 11am and 2pm, giving visitors a rare opportunity to hear first-hand how the pieces were created and what inspired them. Evening viewings will also be available on selected dates throughout August and September.
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of £5 for adults and £10 for families. Every donation helps keep the Cathedral open and thriving – a place of hospitality, heritage, worship, and creativity at the heart of Sheffield.
We are delighted to present this exhibition with the generous support of Ecclesiastical, whose sponsorship has made this event possible. Their partnership enables us to bring world-class art to our city, accessible to all.
Whether you’re drawn by faith, art, history, or simple curiosity – Threads through the Cross promises to surprise and inspire. Come and see how stitchwork, silk, and sacred story can fill a space with meaning, beauty, and wonder.
For full details, visit sheffieldcathedral.org/whats-on or explore Jacqui’s work at jacqui-textile.com.