Ely Cathedral Press Release
For Worship & Glory II
A special exhibition of ecclesiastical works from the Collection of the Royal School of Needlework, alongside contemporary fashion pieces from the RSN’s Degree programme.
After the postponement of this event last year, we are now looking forward to going ahead with this much anticipated exhibition, in the beautiful setting of the historic Lady Chapel.
The RSN are returning to Ely, following the success of the previous Worship and Glory exhibition in 2015, with more stunning displays with an ecclesiastical focus, but this time enriched by several fashion pieces from their highly regarded Degree programme.
A real highlight of the exhibition is the opportunity to see all 12 panels of the Litany of Loreto, the first time they have been exhibited together since 2013. . Little is known of their history and origin but they are widely acknowledged as some of the best examples of gold thread work worldwide. Visitors will be able to get up close to these amazing works, alongside some of the original designs created by Italian graphic designer Ezio Anichini.
The RSN is not just about historic embroidery though and their current students produce some stunning contemporary pieces of work for fashion and interiors, some of which will be displayed alongside the traditional ecclesiastical pieces, showcasing a variety of techniques and revealing how embroidery is represented today. There will also be the chance to see a selection of beautiful christening robes from the RSN collection.
Joss Palmer, Event Manager at Ely Cathedral said “We are delighted to be holding our second exhibition with the Royal School of Needle Work the previous RSN exhibition in 2015 included six of the Litany of Loreto panels but on this occasion we are fortunate to have all 12 which has rarely been seen before. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to display some of the more modern pieces from several extremely talented students of the RSN and some exquisite hand embrodidered Christening gowns The Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral is a beautiful light & spacious area providing the perfect location for admiring such famous works in a safe and socially distanced environment.”
For Worship & Glory II takes place in the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral from 27 January - 13 March 2022. Entry is via Cathedral Visitor ticket, available from our website: www.elycathedral.org/events/for-worship-glory-ii-exhibition
Images – Some of the works which will be exhibited at Ely Cathedral – Credit Royal School of Needlework.
One of the 12 panels of The Litany of Loreto 
Modern pieces by RSN students as part of the Worship & Glory Exhibition
Embroidered chair which will for part of the RSN Exhibition
About Ely Cathedral
Highly regarded by historians and architects from all over the world for its beauty and size, Ely Cathedral is widely acknowledged as ‘one of the wonders of the Medieval world’. Visible for miles around, the Cathedral is often referred to as ‘The Ship of the Fens’.
The present building dates from 1081 and is a remarkable example of both Romanesque and Norman architecture. In addition to its unique Octagon Tower and magnificent Lady Chapel, Ely has the third longest nave of any UK Cathedral. The Cathedral’s role today is not so far removed from its days as a Benedictine monastery and offers regular daily worship with a special emphasis on choral music. It still maintains a resident choir of 22 choristers and 6 lay clerks and so continues the tradition of choral evensong every day of the week during term time.
As well as being a major visitor attraction, the Cathedral serves as a cultural focal point for East Anglia by providing a unique venue for the arts & music, for exhibitions, concerts and theatre. Most recently Ely has gained global recognition a prominent film location including Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Other Boleyn Girl, Macbeth, The King’s Speech and The Crown.