The Quaker Tapestries - An Inspired Creation

For centuries faith and spirituality has inspired art and the development of tapestry. The Quaker tapestry is a twentieth century creation, and originally an idea by Anne Wynne-Wilson after studying the magnificence of the Bayeux Tapestry.

She became enthralled at the concept of telling stories through tapestry and aimed to create a project that told the story of the development of the Quaker religion worldwide. As the masterpiece grew the very essence of spirituality became woven into the work.

The Bayeux Connection

Anne Wynne-Wilson proposed a crewel based tapestry consisting of separate panels which could then be sent to different Friends in the Quaker faith to complete, and at the same time enable people to learn about the story of the Quaker religion.

Like the Bayeux Tapestry the technique saw three separate panels, each with a restricted colour scheme on hand woven wool with the material designed to stand the test of time. The tapestry contained four ancient stitches - Stem, Knot, Split and Chain with the thread laying method of Bayeux Point, and natural dyes.

The original intention had been to create a tapestry to tell the story of the development of the Quaker faith globally, however the faith of the stitchers became embedded in the work and in doing so captured the very essence of the elements that motivate Quaker faith.

The Children of Light

Light has always been significant in the teaching of Quakerism, particularly the concept of Inner Light. This is portrayed via the first tapestry inspiring Quakers to use themselves to reflect their inner light on others. A simple prism glowing colour and direction strengthens the belief that early Quakers called themselves "The Children of Light."

George Fox founded the Quaker movement in 1652 and his life and teaching is beautifully recorded throughout the panels. Accompanying pictures of events in his life are texts with simple Quaker teachings and beliefs.

Light weaves its way through the tapestry and acts as a simple thread which joins the thoughts, work and culture of Quakerism. Panels bearing simple teaching and thought accompany designs of key Quakers such as Fox, and tell their story through tapestry.

Through the panels the feeling of quiet contemplation and simplicity emerges when viewing the designs of Quaker Merchants or John Woolman in prayer. Others reflect a more turbulent time and portray anger, persecution and a questioning of belief during the history of the religion.

The panel depicting the persecutions of Oxford in 1654 have been designed to impart fear and the real horror of the event when two Quaker missionaries attempted to talk to the people. The detailed facial expressions ensure the dark days of Quaker history are told to the observer and not forgotten. Art has always enabled stories to be told through expression and simplicity and this dramatic and reflective work stands as a testimony to the Quaker faith.

Simple Values of a Global Religion

As light shines through the panels the true Quaker values of healing, compassion and reform emerge. Elizabeth Fry and her work in transforming prison services, known Quaker doctors who pioneered new ways of healing, and those who reached out to help displaced people are represented in the stitching and tell the story in simple words and pictures of their life's contribution. Healing through plants and the relief of suffering weave their way through the tapestry with the placing of delicate botanical pictures adding colour and light.

The adventurous and enterprising nature of Quakers is portrayed both with the designs of William Penn discovering Pennsylvania and in those showing engineering inventions and the whole tapestry manages to tell many different stories within one bigger tale.

Each small picture carries a message and new learning within the designs and colour schemes. Simple Quaker texts combined with pictures and expressions impart the thoughts and beliefs of their designers in a creative tableau.

The unique concept behind the Quaker Tapestry has ensured a global belief has been captured by sending sections overseas to be completed, each adding a new story and a cultural flavour, whilst enabling the light of the Quaker faith to be reflected in the exquisite design.

An Inspirational Legacy

When the Bayeux Tapestry was designed and put on display it laid the foundation for a concept in storytelling that spanned the ages and enabled a tale to be portrayed in a unique media. In future years the Bayeux and Quaker Tapestries may inspire more creative ideas in art and design to tell a tale of momentous and transformational events in history and everyday life.

Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on home decor and tapestry & textile art. She divides her time between family and The Tapestry House