New Legacy Tapestry Unveiled at Bradford Cathedral

Community Art Project Highlights Bradford’s Wool Trade Heritage

A new tapestry created as part of Bradford Cathedral’s contribution to the UK City of Culture 2025 was officially unveiled on Tuesday 3 February. The artwork, which incorporates input from local communities and visitors, is displayed alongside a “sound tapestry” featuring recorded voices from people across Bradford.

Weaving Stories Project

The tapestry is the result of the Cathedral’s ‘Weaving Stories’ project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The initiative invited members of the public to participate in the creation of the artwork by adding their own lines to a loom installation. This collaborative approach aimed to reflect the diverse and shared histories of Bradford’s wool trade, an industry that has long been central to the city’s identity and its multicultural population.

Contributions and Collaborations

• The Bradford Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers provided expert advice on weaving techniques and contributed to spinning and dyeing the wool used in the tapestry.
• Howarth Scouring, a local wool processing company, donated fleeces free of charge for the project.
• The West Riding Stone Carving Association supplied Yorkshire stone loom weights, which form part of the finished artwork.
• Local visual artist Shaeron Caton-Rose led the weaving process and overall design of the tapestry.
• Sound artist Ellen Sargen compiled the “sound tapestry,” which features voices from Bradford residents sharing their reasons for coming to the city.

Launch Event

The launch event brought together those who contributed to, funded, and evaluated the project. Attendees discussed the impact of the tapestry and its role as a lasting addition to the Cathedral’s collection, highlighting the importance of community involvement in preserving and celebrating Bradford’s cultural heritage.