From South Africa to South of the River: A dynamic and moving hand worked Altarpiece at Southwark Cathedral.

7th - 30th October 2008

Following a successful tour of the USA the Keiskamma Altarpiece, a triptych combining intricate embroidery, appliqué and beadwork, is now being brought to Southwark Cathedral by Keiskamma Friends UK. It is a huge work measuring 13 feet high and 22 feet wide representing the progress of a community struggling to come to terms with the devastation of HIV/Aids and poverty.

The Keiskamma Altarpiece bears testament to the courage and artistry of the Xhosa and San people living along the banks of the Keiskamma River in the Eastern Province of South Africa. As the scourges of AIDS, unemployment and poverty ravaged the rural districts, the women of the villages of Hamburg, Bodium and Intilini decided to fight back with the weapons they had: embroidery needles and beads. This richly coloured and intricate work of art, inspired by Grunewald’s Issenheim Altarpiece is the work of 120 women over six months. As the embroidery on the altarpiece began, the effects of the antiretroviral drugs took hold, marking a turning point and a sense of hope in the survival of the community.

Dr Carol Hofmeyr, who runs the Keiskamma Trust in Hamburg and who was voted South African Woman of the Year in 2007, together with Eunice Manwange an HIV/Aids counsellor at the Keiskamma Aids Treatment Centre and some of the women who worked on the Altarpiece, will be in London for the unveiling of The Keiskamma Altarpiece and for a fundraising drive. Hand crafted beaded and embroidered items produced by the Keiskamma Art for Aids Project will additionally be on sale in the Southwark Cathedral shop.

‘It is a real pleasure and a genuine privilege to welcome the Keiskamma Altarpiece to Southwark Cathedral. It is in the ancient tradition of altar reredos, which were great works of art: they reflected the context of their time and location. This one highlights the challenges of HIV Aids in Southern Africa with great beauty and pathos’.
The Dean of Southwark Cathedral

Visitor Information

Visiting hours are 10.00 - 5.00pm. The viewing of the Keiskamma Altarpiece is subject to special services and events held in the cathedral. It is recommended that those travelling from a distance telephone the General Office before setting off on 020 7367 6700 / 6717. The altarpiece will be opened three times daily at 10.00 am; 2.00pm and 5.00pm.

Press information

Southwark Cathedral: Rose Harding
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 020 7367 6704
Flax PR: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 020 7486 424

Special Thanks

Anglo American have kindly sponsored the Keiskamma Altarpiece at Southwark Cathedral.