SOME of County Durham’s most creative people have produced a selection of textiles to feature in the community galleries at Durham Cathedral’s Open Treasure exhibition space.

Taking inspiration from different aspects of the Open Treasure exhibits, and put together with the help of Wendy Stoker from Made In England, members of Shadforth Art Group have produced a range of textile pieces influenced by the history of the cathedral, the Venerable Bede and St Cuthbert, the local community and the wildlife of the region.

The pieces, on display in the community galleries of Open Treasure are designed to complement the current temporary exhibition, Textiles: Painting with the Needle, which runs until Saturday February 11, 2017. The exhibition features some of the finest examples of church needlework from the last 1,100 years, including a 12th-century Peacock Silk from St Cuthbert’s tomb.

The contribution of the Shadforth community group comes as part of Durham Cathedral’s Recreating the Community initiative, which enables County Durham community groups to work with local artists and craft specialists to create new work inspired by Cuthbert’s journey.

After being exhibited the pieces will enter the Cathedral’s collections as a lasting marker of Open Treasure.

Lara Thompson of the Shadforth Art Group said: “The opportunity to work with Wendy Stoker on this project, and seeing the finished work on display at the cathedral, has been interesting and exciting for all of us in the group.

"The Open Treasure exhibition made us think about how and why St Cuthbert's coffin came to Durham, from Lindisfarne."

Access to the Community Gallery is available with Open Treasure admission. Tickets cost £2.50 to £7.50 (under 5s free) available from the visitor desk in the cathedral or in advance from www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/open-treasure.