Modern-day Tapestry created in Peasedown St John
A modern piece of tapestry has been created to add a splash of colour to a church in Peasedown St John.
An 8-metre quilt, depicting stories from the Bible, is now hanging on the wall inside St John’s Parish Church.
Known as an applique, it was designed and created by professional quilt-maker and church member, Mary Warren. The finished item took six months to create.
Mary said:
“St John’s Church is well-used throughout the week for children’s groups, Bible study, prayer meetings and church services. We realised some time ago though that for visitors, there wasn’t anything in the building that clearly, and simply, explained what we as Christians believe.”
Inspired by the illustrations of Dawn Machell, a Christian artist who provided story designs for the book ‘Five Minute Bible Stories’ by Fiona Boon and Hayley Down, Mary got to work on presenting 12 panels of fabric, all depicting stories from the Bible.
“We loved Dawn’s illustrations enough that we wanted to re-create them, so we contacted the publishing company to get permission to carry out the work. Once we had received it, we decided to create the applique with a scriptural reference to John 3:16, which for many Christians sums up the essence of our faith: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’”
Due to the historic status of St John’s Church, the Archdeacon of Bath, needed to give consent for the artwork to be hung on church premises, which he did gladly!
The Church building is open throughout the week, so anyone is welcome to visit and appreciate the finished artwork.