Doncaster Festival of Light
Edith John
Edith John
Edith John was born and worked in Doncaster. Throughout her life she was a member of the congregation at the Minster Church of St George.
She trained at Doncaster School of Art in the early 1930s. After teaching part time she was appointed to a full time post there in 1957. She specialised in experimental embroidery, history and design. Her work was exhibited at St Paul’s Cathedral, York Minster and internationally.
The Doncaster Tapestry
Edith John wrote five books on needlecraft for Batsford of London and designed the Doncaster Tapestry which can be seen at the City of Doncaster Archives. Edith led a large team of embroiderers of varying abilities during its production. The tapestry was unveiled by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal on 7th January 1959.
The Kneelers (On Display)
Edith ran a night school class that was attended mainly by adult students. Each student designed and stitched a kneeler, 32 in total, all intended for the Forman Chapel in Doncaster Minster.
The kneelers reflect the interests of the individual designers, aspects of Doncaster and some religious symbolism. The subjects of some of the kneelers are self-evident while others are more obscure and have led to certain amounts of speculation.
On November 30th 1969, a special service of dedication of the kneelers and the tower floodlighting was held at the Parish Church conducted by the Rt Revd John Taylor, the Bishop of Sheffield. The first reading was by Mr Brumfitt, Principle of Doncaster College of Art. The second was by Mr JR Bennett, Area manager of the Yorkshire Electricity Board.
Embroidered Panels
In 1970 Edith Produced four large panels including depiction of the Madonna and Child and The Crown of Thorns. She gave the panels to Doncaster Minster and a selection of these are on display.
Morag Myerscough’s Inspiration for Love & Unity
“Upon entering the Minster, My gaze was drawn to the needlepoint prayer kneelers, each a testament to the individual stories and collective spirit of the parishioners who had crafted them. These kneelers, as a long standing community project, embody love and care, contributing to the Minster’s enduring legacy.
Curiosity led me to enquire about the originals of these intricate textiles, and I learned of the remarkable Doncaster textile artist Edith John, from the late 1950’s onwards. Edith created several textile pieces within the Minster, including large wall pieces. This revelation resonated deeply with me, as my late mother, Betty Fraser Myerscough, also a renowned textile artist at the same time and initiated my love of colour and sewing from a very early age.“