Quaker Tapestry Museum

Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal, in the English county of Cumbria, is a small museum devoted to one of Britain's most unusual community art projects: a series of embroidered panels telling the story of the Quakers. It is housed in the Friends Meeting House, a building that is a sight in its own right at the edge of the Lake District.

What is the Quaker Tapestry?

The Quaker Tapestry is not a single long cloth but a collection of 77 embroidered panels. Together they illustrate the history of Quakerism from the seventeenth century to the present day. The idea came from Quaker Anne Wynn-Wilson, and the panels were stitched by many hands, with groups of volunteers contributing work rather than one artist. The result is a patchwork of personal stories, social history and everyday life seen through the eyes of a religious community.

What stories do the panels tell?

The narrative begins with George Fox, the religious pioneer who is considered the founder of the movement, and several panels are devoted to him. Others follow William Penn, whose name is tied to the colony of Pennsylvania. Later sections turn to the twentieth century, including the more than six thousand Quakers who registered as conscientious objectors during the First World War, and the work of the Friends Ambulance Unit, which provided medical help in conflict zones. Quaker involvement in social reform, science and business is also part of the picture.

Where is it and what is the building like?

The museum occupies the Friends Meeting House in Kendal. The present meeting house was purpose-built in 1816 to replace an earlier Quaker building. It is a listed building. Visitors can usually combine the displays with a look at the architecture of the meeting house itself.

How much of the tapestry can you see?

Not all panels are shown at once, so what you see may change between visits.

Is it open now?

Check before travelling. In 2025 reports indicated that rising costs and low visitor numbers meant a new home had to be sought for the tapestry. Confirm the current location and opening arrangements with the museum or on its official website before planning a visit.

Frequently asked questions

How many panels does the Quaker Tapestry have? The complete work consists of 77 panels.

Who came up with the idea? Quaker Anne Wynn-Wilson.

What period does it cover? From the seventeenth century to modern times.

Is it suitable for people without knowledge of Quakerism? Yes. The panels explain the main figures and events visually, so the display works as an introduction to the movement's history.

Where is Kendal? It is a market town in Cumbria, on the southern fringe of the Lake District, which makes the museum an easy stop on a wider regional trip.