Quaker Tapestry Museum

About

The Quaker Tapestry Museum is known around the world because it is home to an international tapestry project, 77 panels tell the story of Quakers through the ages.

"One of the ‘six best tapestries’ to see", according to world traveller and writer Alexander McCall Smith.

The visual impact and beauty of the award winning Quaker Tapestry, a celebration of over 350 years of social history, inspires all those who visit. Like a modern Bayeux Tapestry in pieces, this internationally created exhibition includes interactive displays, films, personal audio guides, gift shop, garden and Cafe.

Within our beautiful 19 C Friends Meeting House, the exhibition is professionally designed to give easy step-free access to wheelchair users and caters for all those with disabilities. Groups and school parties are welcome. Embroidery workshops and courses are also held here at the museum in Kendal and for groups in other parts of the country.

An interactive exhibition Money, Shoes, Chocolate and all that! Provides an insight into why two Kendal banks opened for business on the same day, how chocolate became a force for good, and the reason for over a thousand people to gather for a ‘fashionable Kendal wedding’ in 1874, according to a Westmorland Gazette report.

It’s brought to life with mini film clips using actors, storytelling and hands-on activities for our younger visitors. You will also discover a local businessman whose legacy lives on 300 years later and how the people behind Castle Mills, Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, Isaac Braithwaite’s and K Shoes, did much to improve the lives of the townspeople. You can even find a number of lovely chocolatey things on offer in the café.

The Friends' Meeting House is a grade II* listed building, designed and built in 1816 by Francis Webster, and built on a site that has been used for Quaker worship for 300 years. It is regarded as one of the finest Georgian buildings in Cumbria.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook