DELICATE early 20th century altar cloth has been lovingly restored
by four women from Cricklade.
It has taken Bernadette Yarnold, Mary Pugh, Pat Charlton and Helen
Lee, all parishioners of St Mary's Church, nearly two years to
complete the hand embroidery on the stunning piece, which now
graces the altar in the ancient church.
The cloth was originally designed and embroidered by |
Cicely
Butt Miller at the turn of the last century.
It is understood that it was intended to be one of four wall
hangings, but was later made into an altar frontal and given to St
Mary's Church.
In 1999, the silk backing was threadbare and careful restoration
work was clearly needed. Louise Aitken allowed a room in Brook
House, Cricklade to be used for the work.
By coincidence, the house was |
formerly
owned by Thomas Butt Miller, husband of Cicely.
The piece is very important to both St Mary's and Cricklade,
because the beautiful floral work features the fritillary, for
which Cricklade is nationally famous.
St Mary's is holding a flower festival from September 8-9, so
visitors will be able to see the restored altar cloth in all its
glory. |