Cathedral to display historic tapestry

THE famous Quaker Tapestry, a tale of 350 years of history, will be on display in a special exhibition at Chester Cathedral throughout February.

Created by 4,000 people in 15 countries, the tapestry is one of the world’s largest community textile projects.

The Quaker Tapestry exhibition runs during February in Chester Cathedral and is free of charge.

The tapestry celebrates social history from the 17th century, including such events, subjects and characters as George Stephenson, the Irish Potato Famine, the Slave Trade, the Crimean War, William Penn and Pennsylvania, Pope Pius VII, Tsar Nicholas I, Joseph Rowntree, science, marriage, criminal justice, botany, railways and unemployment.

Thirty-nine of the 77 embroidered panels will travel to Chester from their permanent home at the Quaker Tapestry Centre in Kendal, Cumbria.

Canon Trevor Dennis, the vice-dean of Chester Cathedral, said: “This will be the first time the tapestry has come to Chester, and we are delighted that it will be displayed inside the Cathedral.

“It has a fascinating series of scenes, and the very making of the panels is a remarkable story in itself. This is a highly significant event both in the life of the Cathedral and the city.

“A huge amount of work has gone into the staging of the roadshow, and I am quite sure it will be wonderful.”

Bridget Guest, general manager at the Quaker Tapestry Centre, said: “We are excited to be bringing the tapestry to Chester Cathedral – a magnificent and historic setting.

“Whenever we take the tapestry on the road, we find that audiences are captivated by the skills involved in creating the work and the stories contained within each of the panels.

Each of the tapestry panels measures 25” (635mm) x 21” (533mm) and was created in the narrative crewel embroidery style of the Bayeux Tapestry. The tapestry was made by people aged between four and 90.

The exhibition also includes personal audio guides, an introductory film, children’s activities and the Quaker Tapestry Gift Shop. For more details, ring 01539 722975 or 01244 500958.