About this Event
Step inside the story of one of the most significant embroidery projects of its kind for centuries.
This free public exhibition at Guildhall invites visitors to meet the people and organisations behind The Circle of Life, a landmark artwork created to mark the 400th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Upholders’ Royal Charter.
Held ahead of the official unveiling later the same day, the exhibition will explore the making of the artwork, the revival of Opus Anglicanum, and the collaboration between the Royal School of Needlework, Fine Cell Work, Aidan Hart, twelve English cathedrals and more than 100 stitchers.
More information:
On Thursday, 9 July 2026, the Worshipful Company of Upholders will host The Making of The Circle of Life Artwork at Guildhall, ahead of the official unveiling of the finished artwork later that day.
This free exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to meet and learn more about the exhibitors, makers and organisations involved in bringing this exceptional national embroidery project to life.
Displays will include contributions from Aidan Hart, Iconographer, designer of The Circle of Life and of the Royal Anointing Screen used at the Coronation of King Charles III, alongside the Royal School of Needlework, Fine Cell Work, and the twelve participating English cathedrals.
Visitors will be able to explore the story behind the artwork, including its design, planning, training, stitching and realisation. The exhibition will also celebrate 400 years of the Worshipful Company of Upholders, tracing its history from the early craft guilds and the manufacture of furniture and upholstered goods, through its links with funeral undertaking, to the modern-day trades and traditions associated with the Company.
The Circle of Life has been created using the ancient embroidery technique of Opus Anglicanum, meaning “English work”, a highly skilled form of embroidery historically associated with silk, gold and silver thread. The project has involved 106 stitchers, with contributions from twelve English cathedrals and Fine Cell Work.
Please note: the finished Circle of Life artwork will not be on display at this Guildhall exhibition.
The finished artwork will be unveiled later the same day at a separate ceremonial event.
Important Information About the Unveiling and Luncheon
The official unveiling of The Circle of Life artwork will take place later on Thursday, 9 July 2026, as part of a separate ceremonial luncheon at Guildhall.
Tickets for the ceremonial luncheon are available at £155 per person. To request information on how to apply for luncheon tickets, please email:
Please note that luncheon places are separate from this free public exhibition and are not booked through this Eventbrite listing.
See the Finished Artwork
The finished Circle of Life artwork will go on public display after the Guildhall event at:
101 Gallery
The Salvation Army International Headquarters
101 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4EH
Friday 10 July to Friday 24 July 2026
8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
This later exhibition will showcase the magnificent 2.3 metre Circle of Life artwork in its rotating circular frame.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Guildhall, 71 Basinghall Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
