About Us

George Fox Founder of The Quakers

The Quaker Tapestry is made in a form known as a narrative crewel embroidery. As with the famous Bayeux Tapestry it is a hanging which tells a story - the story of the Quaker movement over nearly 350 years. A celebration of ideas and experiences since the founding of the Quaker movement by George Fox in 1652 spreading out from Swarthmoor Hall, near Kendal.

The Tapestry is displayed in a series of 77 seperate panels, each measuring 25" (635mm) wide by 21" (533mm) deep. It all began in 1981 when Anne Wynn-Wilson, an experienced embroiderer, established the style and technique which enabled everyone who wished to join in the creativity to do so, whatever their previous embroidery experience. Since 1981 over 4,000 men, women and children from fifteen countries have helped to make this beautiful example of storytelling through craftsmanship.

The Quaker Tapestry has its permanent home in Kendal's historic Friends Meeting house which is in a prominent position in the centre of this attractive market town. Nowhere could be more suitable as the home for The Quaker Tapestry Exhibition than this fine Georgian building in the heart of the "1652 historical Quaker Country" on the edge of the English Lake District National Park. The Exhibition is open to the public from early spring to late autumn each year.

Embroidery Workshops

During the last few years we have held many successful embroidery workshops which have encouraged others to experience the unique techniques and stitches used in the distinctive style of the Quaker Tapestry. The workshops can accommodate equally the experienced embroiderer and those who have had very little embroidery experience. During the one-day course you will be treated to demonstrations, practical sessions, a guided tour of the Exhibition and over the course of the day you will hear stories and anecdotes of the Tapestry and the people it has encountered.

The tapestries are renowned worldwide with over 10,000 visitors annually from various countries around the world.

If you would like more information about Quakerism please write to: Quaker Home Service, Outreach Section-Tapestry, Friends House, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ, England, UK. Tel: +44 (0)171 6631025 E-Mail: suzel@quaker.org.uk

The Quaker Tapestry, Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BH, England, UK

Telephone/Fax: +44 (0)1539 722975 E-mail:info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk

Registered Charity No. 1035077

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