Westminster Cope in Sarum Red 'Gothic' with Hand-embroidered Symbols of the Passion

Our seamstresses have handcrafted a cope redolent in glorious silver threads for Passiontide, depicting the Arma Christi in bold embroidery. In our classic Westminster shape, this cope comes with a matching Gothic-style stole.

The cope hood presents a summary of the Passion. The pliers and hammer are the tools that fix and remove the nails from the cross. In front of the vinegar-soaked sponge and soldier’s lance which opened the side of Jesus after His death, the inscription proclaims the divine Victim: Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum — Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

On the orphreys and morse, images from the Passion narrative are rendered in silk appliqué and silver threads:

• The cockerel, a reminder of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus on the night He was arrested;
• Jesus’s garment woven from top to bottom, for which the Roman soldiers cast lots at the crucifixion;
• The pillar and scourges, a cruel punishment before the crucifixion;
• The 30 pieces of silver, the price of Judas’s betrayal;
• The crown of thorns woven by the Praetorian guard while Christ was in custody;
• The nails used to attach Jesus to the cross.

The main fabric is our ‘Gothic’ silk damask in Sarum Red. The orphreys and morse are in our Black ‘Comper Cathedral’ silk damask, outlined in Black & Silver 'Dice' braid, and the hood trimmed with black rayon fringe. It is lined with a black cotton sateen lining, and has a back length of 60”.

Our bespoke vestment samples are handcrafted in our workroom. Additional vestments can be commissioned on request – such as humeral veils and Low Mass sets. Please enquire.