New set of Nativity figures for St Mary Redcliffe Church
We are seeking an artist/craftsperson to design and create a new set of nativity figures for our church.
The nativity scene is a focus for devotion and a key part of how we share the Christmas story with thousands of people who come into our church at Christmas, so it’s important that it reflects what we believe are key gospel messages.
We are particularly looking for a set that
• Reflects the diversity of God’s people and enables all those who come to see themselves reflected among the characters of the Christmas story.
• Shows God’s love for all creation, perhaps by its use of natural materials, for example wood from native trees or reclaimed/recycled wood.
• Is robust enough to be handled by worshippers who are younger and/or would value a more tactile engagement with the Christmas story. Currently our Mary, Joseph and donkey figures travel round people’s homes during advent.
• Sits comfortably within our glorious medieval gothic church setting.
We have space for lots of figures so would like as a minimum
• Mary and Joseph
• A donkey
• Baby Jesus
• A manger
• Shepherd and sheep
• 3 magi
• Angel
• Star
But there is scope for more animals, shepherds, angels etc! As we keep the nativity scene in church until Candlemas (2nd February) a “toddler Jesus” would also be welcome.
We currently make our nativity scene in our altar, which is approx. 110cm high, and generally viewed from a distance. Our current figures are approx. 40cm high. While we would be open to larger figures, they shouldn’t be too large or heavy to be easily handled.
Timescale
We would like to use the new set this Christmas, so would expect that at least the main characters would be ready by then – Mary and Joseph by late November, and others by mid-December.
Budget
We have a budget of £1,500-£3,500 for this project to include material costs and time.
Process
A shortlisting panel will select up to 3 people to be given an honorarium of £200 to work up some designs, from which the appointment will be made.
Expressions of interest
We are now inviting expressions of interest for this project.
We are particularly keen to support the local creative community, and to hear from a wide range of people including younger and/or emerging artists and BAME artists.
We will be making slots available by appointment to visit the church on the morning of Tuesday 1st September.
If you would like to discuss the project please contact Kat Campion-Spall kat.campion-spall@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk
(NB I am on leave 24th-31st August); to arrange a visit please email sarah.purdon@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk
Please send
• A portfolio of 10 - 15 images/up to 8 sides of A4 of previous work (which may include work completed as part of a course)
• Either, if you have done other relevant projects, please give details of up to 3, including contact details for your client; or please give details of 2 referees. We will only contact referees if you are shortlisted.
• An outline budget for the project within the limits specified above including an indication of material costs and the cost of your time
All expressions of interest should be sent to Kat Campion-Spall at 12 Colston Parade, Bristol BS1 6RA or kat.campion-spall@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk
Please note, our email system has a file size limit of 25MB
Submissions by Thursday 10th September 5pm
Shortlisting w/c 14th September
Final appointment w/c 21st September
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At the beginning of October 2025, Rebecca Horry joined the St Mary Redcliffe team as our new Commercial Manager. Here, she reflects on her first month in post. A big thank you for the warm welcome I have received at St Mary Redcliffe as the new Commercial Manager. It has been a genuinely inspiring start, getting to know the team, understanding the rhythm of church life and beginning to explore the many opportunities that sit within our commercial activities. My role is all about strengthening revenue streams and developing our commercial strategy to generate sustainable income for St Mary Redcliffe. In this short time, I’ve had the chance to listen, learn and to see the heart behind the work we do. It’s clear to me that our commercial activity isn’t simply about generating income, it’s about creating connections, making to most of our unique offer and ensuring our church can continue to flourish for generations to come. One of the great privileges of my first month has been experiencing the incredible music that fills this place, from intimate recitals to large-scale events. There is something truly special about watching the building come alive with sound, seeing audiences uplifted and feeling the space transformed. Connection to music is one of the many gifts we have to offer and celebrate, alongside the amazing heritage story we have to share with our community. My aim moving forward is to bring together a commercial offer that is cohesive, purpose-driven, and sustainably profitable. I want us to build something that not only supports by providing much needed funding but reflects our values and feels genuine to the incredible work already happening here. That means shaping a strategy that is smart and responsible, but also bold enough to embrace new ideas and possibilities. Most of all, I want to help create a commercial offer that feels joined-up, future-focused, and grounded in who we are at St Mary Redcliffe. Much of the work starts with ensuring our foundations are strong, reviewing and ensuring our current offer is working as hard as it possible can for us. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their wisdom, offer encouragement, or simply check in with a friendly word. Your generosity has made this first month fly by and I’m excited for what lies ahead. - Rebecca Horry, Commercial Manager 19 November 2025
Preached by the Canon Guy Wilkinson
We are so very excited to be part of The Forsytes , a new TV adaptation of John Galsworthy's beloved novels. Produced for Channel 5 and Masterpiece, the show’s first season - which premieres on Monday 20th October 2025 - was filmed almost entirely in and around Bristol between May and August 2024, with significant scenes filmed within St Mary Redcliffe. You can read more about the production on Bristol 24/7 and watch the series' trailer below.
Preached by the Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
On Monday 13th October 2025, members of the SMR staff team visited Bristol Archives to meet Senior Archivist Lucy Bonner and retired archivist Anne Bradley who has been leading the process of transferring archival documents from the church to the Create Centre - home of Bristol Archives - for a number of years. The purpose of the visit was to gather information on best practice for storing, preserving, organizing and transferring documentation to the archives, and to receive advice on how to meet the challenge of archiving in the digital era in which most documents are created and held digitally, rather than printed. This shift in process has had significant implications for the management of archival material, processes for which must now respond to risks associated with the fast pace of technological change and the likely future redundancy of current forms of digital storage technology. During the visit, the team were shown examples of important documents from the church archives, including the original deed for Redcliffe Pipe and the associated pipe lands, dating from around 1190-1200; the founding charter of Queen Elizabeth's Free School of Grammar and Writing from 1571; the C15th deed for one of William Canynges' chantries; and materials relating to the major Victorian restoration of St Mary Redcliffe that took place between 1842 and 1872. The staff team will continue working with Anne and Bristol Archives to embed processes that will ensure current data is preserved for the benefit of future generations.
Preached by the Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
