Hartlepool's knitted bible coming home for new exhibition after touring the UK

Scarlett Van Malland with the Knitted Bible's Noah's Ark when it visited Cleadon Church of England Academy last year. Picture by FRANK REID

More than 30 scenes and stories from The Bible have been skilfully recreated in wool after the project began at St George’s United Reformed Church in Park Road over a decade ago.

The church’s hobby club got to work creating scenes from the Easter story including the last supper, crucifixion and resurrection, after being given patterns by Reverend Val Towler.

It quickly grew, along with its popularity, and St George’s knitters made more key scenes featuring hundreds of figures.

Cleadon Church of England Academy pupil Joshua Markqick with the shepherd and his flock as part of the Knitted Bible. Picture by FRANK REID

The display has been seen by thousands of people after touring churches and schools all across the country.

Now for the first time in several years, it is coming back to St George’s where it will go on display again for two weeks.

Chris Eddowes, a member of St George’s hobby club, said: “For the last 11 years at least it’s been travelling the length and breadth of the country.

“And it is booked up for the next two years. It has done more gigs than most pop acts.

The Knitted Bible's scene of the last supper. Picture by FRANK REID

“You get all sorts of people coming to see it. I don’t think there’s anything like it.”

People can see it on display at St George’s from Saturday, March 28, until Easter Sunday on April 12.

Since going on the road, a new scene of the Parable of the Lost Sheep – featuring 99 wool sheep – has been added.

St George’s have also created two new scenes including Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

Chris added: “There’s hundreds and hundreds of little figures.

“It has done more for spreading the stories of Jesus and the bible than we ever could as human individuals.”

Other eye-catching scenes include Noah’s ark, a large Goliath and Daniel in the Lion’s Den.

Eagle-eyed viewers may also spot some knitted knitters amongst the scenes.

A launch event will take place at St George’s on March 28 from 10am with music from Vocalise.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is due to officially open it at 11am. Admission is free.