'World's largest tapestry' at Coventry Cathedral repaired

A £100,000 restoration of what is claimed to be the world's largest tapestry is set to begin in Coventry.

The tapestry of Christ in Glory, by Graham Sutherland, has hung in Coventry's cathedral since the building was consecrated in 1962.

However, the cathedral says the work, which measures 75 x 38ft (23 x 11m) and weighs just over a tonne, is in need of a clean and minor repairs.

The restoration is due to start this week and will take a month to complete.

• Sir Basil Spence, the cathedral's architect, invited Graham Sutherland, an official war artist from London, to design the tapestry

• It was made in France by 12 women and one foreman

• The loom consisted of two large tree trunks

• It is similar in size to a tennis court

• It is the largest tapestry in the world made in one piece, the cathedral says

Rev Canon Dr David Stone says the work will involve a dry clean to the front and back of the tapestry and repairs to small tears in the fabric.

"The view of the tapestry will be obscured while the work is in place but we hope that the true colours of the tapestry will be revealed once again just after Easter," he said.

Further repairs will be carried out in the next few years, he added.