Local creative group STARS, Stitch and Textile ARt in Suffolk, have presented St Edmundsbury Cathedral with an embroidery which is now displayed in the Tourist Information Point.

The Cathedral Squares Embroidery was created from a photograph of the Cathedral taken by STARS member, Jean Hurlock. The photo was enlarged to 35″ by 25″ and then divided into 5″ squares. Each square was then stitched by a STARS member in their own style before the stitched squares were then re-assembled to form the final piece.

The project was a long time in the making. Having originally begun in 2019 with the intention of marking the Abbey 1000 celebrations in Bury St Edmunds, it was put on hold when the pandemic hit and the group could no longer meet to assemble the piece.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral Visitor Experience Manager, Sarah Friswell, said, “We’re thrilled to be able to display the STARS embroidery in the Tourist Information Point. We wanted the public to be able to see this artwork which reflects community and creativity. Please do pop in and view it if you’re passing!”

The group are currently working on a Chairs Challenge which is to stitch a piece inspired by the poem Cargoes by John Masefield, with two categories: ‘Hand Embroidery’ and ‘Machine Embroidery’, with an Autumn Challenge soon to be unveiled.

Suzanne Morton, member of STARS, said, “We are a friendly and creative group, and anyone interested in textiles and embroidery are welcome to become STARS member; no qualifications or expertise is required!”

For more information on STARS, including how to join, visit starstextiles.co.uk or contact the membership secretary by email starsuffolkmembership@gmail.com.