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article local schedule Oct 16, 2025 visibility 2 link 2 artists

After 550 years, a fabric found in a Norwich bishop’s tomb is recreated

Tiny silk fragments from a ceremonial robe buried with Norwich Bishop Walter Lyhert nearly 550 years ago have been recreated into a sumptuous red and purple fabric. The fragments, discovered in 1899 during building works at Norwich Cathedral, were on long-term loan to Norwich Castle. As part of the £23m redevelopment of the Norman keep at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, project assistant curator Agata Gomolka led a collaboration with Norwich Cathedral, Gainsborough Silk Weaving in Suffolk, and Norwich’s Costume and Textile Association. Researchers used high-resolution photographs, chemical fiber testing, and dye analysis at the British Museum and KIK-IRPA in Brussels to reconstruct the original patterns, which include monograms, floral motifs, and phoenixes. The recreated fabric is now on display at Norwich Castle, with a limited amount available for purchase.

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After 550 years, a fabric found in a Norwich bishop’s tomb is recreated

Fragments of silk from a ceremonial robe buried with Norwich Bishop Walter Lyhert in 1472 have been recreated after 550 years. The tiny pieces were discovered in 1899 during building works at Norwich Cathedral and have been on long-term loan to Norwich Castle. A project led by assistant curator Agata Gomolka used high-resolution photography, chemical fiber analysis, and dye testing by scientists at the British Museum and KIK-IRPA in Brussels to reconstruct the red and purple fabric. The recreated silk is now on display at Norwich Castle, and Norwich Cathedral plans to make ceremonial copes from it for use in services.