It's all Jonathan's fault - he started the Quaker Tapestry in 1981 when he asked why he couldn't do something more interesting than colouring in. The grownups soon joined in (the kids were having far too much fun) - and by 1996 the Quaker Tapestry was complete. There were only going to be fifty, but the idea caught on and more and more people got involved!
In the end we used up all the backing material we had left - which is why we stopped at 77. Contributions came from 15 countries making this one of the biggest community projects ever! Some people made whole panels, some put in just one stitch. In the process of making it, we had to invent a completely new stitch - the Quaker stitch.
In the end we used up all the backing material we had left - which is why we stopped at 77. Contributions came from 15 countries making this one of the biggest community projects ever! Some people made whole panels, some put in just one stitch. In the process of making it, we had to invent a completely new stitch - the Quaker stitch.
Services
Look out for five small blue circles at relevant display points. Hovering your mouse over these will open a pop up window and play the appropriate clip of film with sound. Hovering over the actual clip will show a menu giving you the option to play the clip in full screen mode if you prefer. Have fun, enjoy the tour!
Following growing demand we have a nationwide network of experienced speakers who like nothing better than talking to you about the making of Quaker Tapestry, the characters, and the events portrayed in its panels. All of our speakers have a personal connection with the Tapestry and will bring the talk to life with an illustrated presentation.
Exclusively designed workshops by textile artist Bridget Guest. The workshops take place at the Quaker Tapestry Museum at the Friends Meeting House in Kendal. Tutors Bridget Guest, Carole Butcher and Mel Winstanley all have a wealth of experience in embroidery teaching and therefore in the Quaker Tapestry itself.
As an accredited museum, we provide great insight into Quaker History. Alongside the panels of embroidery, our Quaker Tapestry Collection of about 600 artefacts help to bring the social history to life. The collection of associated artefacts includes articles of clothing, embroidery and other domestic items which have been gifted to the Quaker Tapestry Museum by a wide range of donors from Cumbria and further afield.
Our experienced team provide a high level of service to those planning educational visits and a fun day out for young people. The visual impact of our textile exhibition inspires enthusiasm, interest and learning and we offer special activities and teaching aids to school groups. Films, interactive exhibits, subsidiary displays and multi lingual personal audio guides add to the experience.
Reviews (6)
Cheryl Orme
Oct 02, 2019
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James Eroom
Aug 21, 2019
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Fantastic tapestry and really lovely members of staff, especially the chap who we bought our tickets from. It's a very tranquil place to visit and the audio tour was great too.
I think the major religions should take a leaf out of the Quaker book. The world would be a much more peaceful place, that's for sure!
I think the major religions should take a leaf out of the Quaker book. The world would be a much more peaceful place, that's for sure!
Mark Lockwood-Porter
Feb 15, 2019
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Irene Short
May 16, 2017
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77 beautiful embroidered tapestry panels started in 1981. Essentially a history of Quakers but more importantly, as we live in pretty dark times, an inspiring reminder of the essential goodness in most people… and the values of compassion, honesty and equality which make for a decent society. I am a Humanist, not a Quaker and came away more hopeful.
Susan Lythgoe
Dec 02, 2016
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Sheila Speak
Feb 16, 2015
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