The Exhibition
The visual impact and beauty of the award winning Quaker Tapestry, a celebration of life, people and events across the centuries, inspires all those who visit. Often compared with the Bayeux Tapestry, this modern, internationally created exhibition reveals a myriad of stories within 77 captivating and colourful embroidery panels.
Since 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 Quaker 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.
As well as the Quaker Tapestry itself, our exhibition includes several other exhibits and activities to complement your visit.
Download a pdf of our 2010 leaflet here
New for 2010, our captivating, interactive display entitled 'Full Steam Ahead: Quakers and Railways' tells among other stories of how Edward Pease, a Darlington Quaker and George Stephenson, an accomplished engineer, shared a vision and built a railway. Featuring a working model railway layout, this enchanting display will be of interest to young and old alike.
In 2010 we will continue our display of the Barrett Friendship Quilt.
A major work of art in the Quaker Tapestry collection, this 19th Century quilt has connections to the Victorian Art World, William Morris and Queen Victoria herself.
Within our beautiful 19th Century Meeting House, the exhibition is professionally designed to give easy access to wheelchair users and caters for all those with disabilities. The audio guides give the oportunity to hear the stories and more information about the panels of embroidery.
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