What is the Broderers’ Guild?
The term ‘Broderer’ comes from an old word meaning ‘one who embroiders’. Its earliest recorded use is in Wyclif's Bible of 1388. The Broderers' Guild was formed in 1997 and is responsible for the care and repair of ecclesiastical textiles in the Cathedral and the provision of new work as and when required. We are also able to offer our services to parishes and private individuals within the Norwich Diocese and beyond.
Who are the members of the Broderers' Guild?
The workshop presently has seventeen dedicated and experienced volunteers and meets two days a week under the supervision of Helen Jenkins. The opening arrangements vary from year to year and currently are Wednesdays 1000 - 1600 and Thursdays 1015 – 1600. Enquiries from new volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested you can find out more about what is involved in the volunteering section of this website.
What does the Broderers’ Guild do?
About 50% of our work is for the Cathedral and 50% for parishes or individuals. Of that, half of our time is spent on restoration, alterations or repairs to existing ecclesiastical work, and half on designing and making new textile items. We use a variety of approaches and techniques in our work and projects might include different tasks such as:
- altering hems on Choristers’ choir robes,
- making up costumes for the Cathedral’s Education department,
- designing, applying embroidery and making up new vestments, and
- cleaning and repair of old frontals or banners.