Northumbrian Association

A NEW CONTEMPORARY BANNER TO HONOUR

ST. CUTHBERT, NORTHUMBRIA’S PATRON SAINT

● St. Cuthbert’s banner, under which the people of the North East rallied and fought for centuries, was destroyed following the Reformation.

● Now, in line with Durham’s bid for City of Vision and in a region famous for their banners and the unity they create, the Northumbrian Association is working to replace the original with a processional banner for Durham Cathedral.

● As described in the Durham Rites, it will be a most sumptuous ecclesiastical artefact (4’ x 3’) worked in gold and green threads on red and ivory velvet with silver sackrings, carried on a pole trimmed with silver filials. The whole has been designed, as can be seen on the left, and will be created entirely by Northern craftsmen and women.

● It will then be dedicated and used in the Cathedral at the discretion of the Dean and Chapter and, when not in use, housed in the Treasury for public viewing with a narrative about the process of its creation.

● For centuries to come therefore, this new banner will represent a rallying cry to the North East community to unite, as of old, to honour their Patron Saint and their region.
A ‘blog’ detailing the working of the embroidery can be seen on our web-site www.northumbrianassociation.co.uk or at http://rutholearytextileart.blogspot.com/.

ENDORSEMENTS

‘This visionary project to create a contemporary St Cuthbert's banner is a real example of the Northumbrian Association's motto of Strength from the past, Vision for the Future. The banner will remind the North East community of its Christian heritage and its history of strength of conviction and courage, often in the face of great adversity, which even now provides guidance and inspiration to us all in challenging times.’

John Cuthbert: CEO of Northumbria Water & President of The Northumbrian Assoc.

‘Cuthbert’s banner will celebrate the culture and heritage of the North East..

This is project of real vision that will help with rallying call to bring the Lindisfarne Gospels back to the region. It is an iconic project in so many ways: it embraces our history, heritage and the craft skills of the region. ‘

Andrew Dixon: CEO of Newcastle Gateshead initiative