An Introduction to the Quaker Tapestry
The Quaker Tapestry is a celebration of over 350 years of Quaker insights and experiences embroidered in narrative crewel work on 77 panels of specially woven wool cloth. Each panel measures 25" (635mm) wide by 21" (533mm) deep.
Sine the dawn of recorded history, craftspeople have used their skills to tell stories. Such a record is the Quaker Tapestry – made in a form known as narrative crewel embroidery. As with the famous Bayeux Tapestry, it is a hanging which tells a story. The Tapestry has been described as a celebration of Quaker experience and insights over 350 years, though Quakers would hasten to add that they do not, by any means lay sole claim to them. Nevertheless, it is a timely reminder of the contribution these non- conformists have made to the modern world.
Quakers were at the forefront of the industrial revolution, of developments in science and medicine, and were amongst the first to raise awareness of ecology. Edward Pease, who worked with George Stephenson on the first railways was a Quaker, as were scientists John Dalton and Kathleen Lonsdale, and astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington. Quaker industrialists such as Joseph Rowntree pioneered welfare for factory workers, while organisations such as Friends Provident were amongst the early insurance companies. Quakers led the field in adult education and the abolition of slavery and were heavily involved in social reform of many sorts.