The Design and Work for the Altar Cloth at Giggleswick Chapel, 

talk by Sally Figgins

Members had a most enjoyable day with Sally, she introduced herself by telling members she was a Shuttleworth, born at Gawthorpe Hall.   We heard about Giggleswick School Chapel and her family connection.  The chapel was gifted to the school by Walter Morrison and was opened in 1901.  It is a gothic design with a copper dome that looks out over the countryside.  Sally’s design for the altar cloth was inspired by the frescos inside the chapel.  To get the correct colours Sally dyed the threads – she contacted member Betty Garvey for advice about how to do the dying.  She wished to get the same colours as the paintings around the chapel.  One of her main concerns was getting all the design elements to scale because the cloth was so large.   A number of people helped with the project including Fine Cell Work. 

Visitors are welcome to visit the Chapel, by prior arrangement with the school, from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.  It would be lovely to visit after hearing the story of the chapel and how the altar cloth was made; Sally said she would be happy to show us around.

A selection of food for lunch