Crafters create own interpretations of one of Southwell Minster’s most well-known features

Keen crafters have created their own interpretations of one of Southwell Minster’s most well-known features.

In early spring, a craft competition was launched inviting people to create a green man, inspired by the world-renowned medieval carvings in the minster’s Chapter House.

The competition has now been judged and the entries are on display in the minster.

Green men are commonly found in many older religious buildings and have many interpretations.

Green men, or women, are depicted as a face surrounded by foliage ­— often with leaves growing from the mouth, nose and ears, suggesting the link between mankind and nature.

At present, the minster’s actual carvings cannot be seen because of essential conservation work, which began in June, funded by £1.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It is hoped the craft exhibition, which runs until at least mid-November, will whet visitors’ appetites to see the real thing when the Chapter House reopens.

Crafters from throughout the county produced entries for the competition, judged by keen art and nature-lover Isaac Roberts, 10.

Minster education officer Diana Ives said: “The creativity on display is amazing. There are knitted, crocheted and felted green men. One is in the form of a balaclava.

“I wonder what those craftsmen of 700 years ago would have made of this new work their artistry inspired.

“It is wonderful to have been able to bring this work together, despite the limitations of covid, and hold this exhibition.”

The two winning entries are Catherine Hewitt’s wall hanging and Libby Clark’s knitted creation.

The minster is currently open from 11am to 3pm daily and covid-secure measures are in place. For details go to www.southwellminster.org