Nativity Exhibition Brings Global Christmas Traditions to Devon Village

A small Devon village church is hosting what organisers believe may be the largest nativity exhibition in the South West this weekend, with around 80 different nativity sets going on display. The cribs, drawn from across Africa, South America and Europe, will be exhibited at St Thomas’s Church, Northlew, on Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 GMT and on Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00, with free entry for visitors.

The collection began when Luisa Hulbert received an olive-wood nativity scene, bought in Jerusalem from a Palestinian Christian, as a gift from her husband Victor. Since then she has gathered sets from around the world, and the exhibition is supplemented by family heirloom cribs lent by local residents, alongside playful and inventive versions made from Lego, clay, felt, cork, egg boxes and even buttons.

For Victor Hulbert, the Jerusalem olive-wood crib remains especially meaningful, alongside a Portuguese-style air-dry clay scene crafted by his wife. Luisa’s most treasured piece is a nativity made by a friend at Victor’s request when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a gift she says brought her hope during a difficult time.

Reverend Jonathan Cook said he was struck by the range of artistic interpretations of the Christmas story, noting that people are used to seeing just one nativity set at home, rather than dozens from many cultures displayed together. Organisers said refreshments will be available during opening hours, and that all donations from the event will go to support The Children’s Hospice South West.