The crib was created by A level Art students from Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle.
The students - Sarah Richardson, Jonny Fawcett and Becky Marshall - supervised by Head of Art Zoe Allonby and teacher Andrew Cranleigh.
Sarah was the winner of the national Junior Artist of the Year award in 2011, run by the Society for all Artists.
The group worked together to create life-size figures and animal heads from cardboard that were then spray-painted with textured paint.
Principal Dr John Hind said, “We are very grateful to the Dean for commissioning the crib and it is an honour for the Schools. The figures the students have produced are a stunning and moving modern interpretation of the nativity. We have all been impressed by their talent and creativity and are looking forward to seeing the figures in place at the Carol Service.”
Students from the school were able to see the finished piece at a carol service held at the cathedral last week.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle said: “Dame Allan’s Schools has strong links with the Cathedral and I’m delighted with the crib scene the students have devised. It has a strong local resonance and its simplicity works well in St Margaret’s Chapel where it is located.
“Every year, the Cathedral has commissioned a new crib scene inviting mainly young people to come up with a fresh look at this very traditional and powerful story. In recent years we have had all white figures including a menagerie of animals, bling covered kings made from recycled bottles and a giant mobile with a beating heart at the centre. Each in their own way has invited viewers to re-imagine the Christmas story and to ask questions about what the nativity means to them.