Church Kneelers, 2023

Textiles, embroidery, reconstituted foam, watercolour, ink. Six kneelers, each 10x 14 x 3in

An unsung folk art of England and Wales, church kneelers traditionally depict local concerns and interests, such as plants, wildlife, Biblical stories and local landmarks. Kneelers are cross-stitched by members of a local congregation and then donated to the church to be used during personal prayer. To honour this tradition, Burton hosted a number of sewing circles attended by Latter-Day Saint women who hold an interest in feminist theology. The kneelers depict scenes from the story The Passing of the Pomegranate Bell: The Untold Myth of Mother & Eve. Burton painted each scene before she and the women present added embroidery while partaking in the act of communion. That is, sharing their intimate thoughts and feelings on spiritual matters. To show gratitude for their contribution, Burton cross-stitched each woman’s initials on the kneeler of which they worked.

Mother Gathers Intelligences

Eve the Beloved

The Garden of Eden

Planting the Pomegranate Bell

The Passing of the Pomegranate Bell

The Restoration of the High Priestess