Lichfield Cathedral from Minster Pool. Pic: Andy Malbon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

People are being urged to give up any unwanted items of jewellery to help fund a new project at Lichfield Cathedral.

The Treasure for Treasure project will help raise money for a colourful ‘Icon of Christ Crucified’ that will hang from the great vaulted ceiling of the nave.

The work will be created by students from the Bethlehem Icon School, who have previously created the Archangel Gabriel and the Mother of Jesus icons for the cathedral.

On June 10 Tutbury Castle curator Lesley Smith will be taking donations of items people no longer need. She will be wearing in a medieval dress of red silk as Katherine Swynford, third wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III.

“Almost every home has bits of jewellery that lie at the bottom of a drawer unused for years, maybe a too-small ring or an inherited necklace,” Lesley said. “Some pieces are joyful and others from sad times or broken relationships.

“Now is the chance to use the treasure positively to give thanks, heal and help make history.

“There is no doubt that the Icon of Christ Crucified will draw visitors to Lichfield Cathedral for many years to come. Just think that people will be able to say ‘my old engagement ring helped make that happen’.”

Icons have been a part of the church for many centuries, and are considered to be special paintings that can bring viewers closer to Christ.

Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, said: “The Treasure for Treasure event is a simple, effective way for people to contribute to the beauty of this wonderful cathedral.

“It’s marvellous to think that, for many centuries to come, local people can come here and marvel at the Icon of Christ Crucified, and feel that their family contributed to what will undoubtedly be a dramatic and inspiring piece of artwork.”

The Treasure for Treasure event is being held on June 10 between 11am and 4pm at Lichfield Cathedral. For more information contact The Chapter Office on 01543 306100. The cathedral is also accepting items of jewellery ahead of the event – email [email protected] for details.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.