Alistair Hardaker
Image: Quaker Tapestry Museum (Google)
Trustees seek sustainable future for 77-panel tapestry telling story of Quaker history
The Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal, Cumbria has announced that it is to close, citing rising costs.
Operated by Quaker Tapestry Limited, it said the museum will close its doors on 13 December 2025.
Dr Andrew Fincham, FRHistS, clerk to trustees, of Quaker Tapestry Limited, explained: “The financial stability of the museum has become more difficult to sustain in recent years
and income received from paying visitors and other sources has failed to keep pace with
regular leaps in running costs.
“As a result, we have no option under our obligations to the Charity Commission but to
look into an orderly winding down of the museum and sadly will say goodbye both to our
staff and to our visitors.”
The museum houses some of the panels from a 77 panel sewn tapestry, telling the story of the Quakers. The tapestry was created in 1981 and has since seen 4,000 people contribute to its design and growth.
In 1994 the tapestry found a permanent home in Kendal’s historic Quaker Meeting House, when a museum was created.
Earlier this year the museum, which includes a gift shop, cafe, and rooms for hire, won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2025. After the win, it launched a £5,000 fundraising appeal to continue its work.
Its trustees said a search has now begun for a financially sustainable future for the Quaker Tapestry.
“It is the firm intention of the Trustees – many of whom are Quakers – to ensure that the
Tapestry itself continues to serve a vital role by illustrating the traditions and values
for The Religious Society of Friends,” the trustees said in a statement.
“We would like to acknowledge all the offers of help we have received. These are very
much appreciated. We hope to work with many of you both in terms of fundraising and
defining the way forward to ensure there is a bright and sustainable future for the
Tapestry.”
