A new exhibition by locally based artist Matthew D. Wright details the buildings lining the iconic Lincoln landmarks of the Bailgate and Steep Hill.
Spanning nearly 6 meters in length, 'The Papestry' – a paper tapestry – is Matt’s own tribute to the Bayeux Tapestry.
For nearly a year, thousands have watched in awe online as Matt has recreated the city’s famous Bailgate and Steep Hill area, brick by brick, armed with just a trusty set of pens and a 25 foot roll of paper.
This continuous pen drawing covers one of Lincoln’s most picturesque and historically significant areas: stretching from Lincoln County Assembly rooms on the Bailgate to The Rest Hotel on Steep Hill.
Alongside The Papestry is a film featuring the process of creating this stunning piece, as well as some of the stories that were drawn out as a result.
The exhibition is a precious time capsule of social history, celebrating Lincoln, it's people, and centuries of stunning architecture and history.
Ahead of the piece going on display, we caught up with Matt in his studio to find out more about his journey, his passion for the city’s history, and some of the challenges of creating a six-metre-long drawing of one of the county’s most-loved streets.
Read our interview with Papestry artist, Matt D. Wright
Matt D. Wright: The Papestry is open now at The Usher Gallery and continues until Sunday 12 July 2026. Entry is free.
The Usher Gallery is open from Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm. To stay up to date with the latest exhibitions and activities at the Usher Gallery, follow ‘Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery’ on Facebook and Instagram.