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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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.
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Preached by the Revd Laura Verrall-Kelly, Associate Vicar
