[L]ocals are invited to see a FREE exhibition of 40 colourful embroideries made by 4,000 men, women and children from around the world at the Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal between Weds 1 Nov and Sat 9 Dec.
Many of the embroideries displayed attracted crowds of over 3,000 people whilst on show in Taunton and London this summer. Whilst others tell stories of amazing Cumbrians, including Arthur W Simpson, master craftsman of the Arts & Crafts movement, Jonathan Dodgson Carr, miller and founder of Carrs and famous scientists John Dalton and Sir Arthur Eddington.
Museum manager Bridget Guest says the colourful and vibrant tapestry panels will interest anyone who loves embroidery, social history and stories.
The famous Quaker Tapestry is a modern stitched masterpiece in storytelling which began in 1981 in a children’s meeting in Taunton, as an alternative to colouring-in. A total of 77 panels were created, taking 15 years to complete. Some of the panels made journeys of thousands of miles as they passed from one group of embroiderers to another.
Forty panels are on permanent display in their Kendal home – the Arts Council accredited Quaker Tapestry Museum, a VisitEngland Hidden Gem and a charity housed in a 200 year old, grade 2* listed building.
“Since the dawn of recorded history, craftspeople have used their skills to tell stories,” explained Quaker Tapestry Museum manager Bridget Guest.
“Such a record is the Quaker Tapestry. As with the famous Bayeux Tapestry, it is a hanging with a compelling historical narrative, 350 years of social history from a Quaker perspective” added Bridget.
Free entry is for up to two adults on production of a utility bill with an LA postcode, and as usual, anyone under the age of 16 automatically goes in free.
For more information visit www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk or telephone 01539 722975
