Through the eye of the needle: Nick Tyldesley on the Quaker Tapestry

‘Is it more than just a tasteful museum display?’

Meeting up with some old non-Quaker friends, I took them to see the Quaker Tapestry. I had visited the exhibition previously both in Kendal and when it came to Blackburn Cathedral some years ago. It was certainly worth a revisit. The story of Quakerism is detailed and well told. My friends were impressed, and felt that they now had a much better understanding of Quakers.

The atmosphere is peaceful and reflective, allowing visitors to wander around without feeling lectured at. Each panel contains a wealth of information, with many exquisite details that bring people and history alive. This visual feast is supported by an excellent video, which puts the achievements and character of George Fox into the general context. As a bonus, we found two Friends in residence who were very happy to talk about their needlework. 

But is the Quaker Tapestry more than just a tasteful museum display, good for occupying a wet afternoon in the Lakes? Clearly it is valuable in understanding the historical foundations of Quakerism. It is also informative about the contributions Quakers made to science, industry and botany, plus the testimonies. The aesthetic appeal of the tapestry is an effective way of telling others about Quaker faith and practice. Taking the tapestry on the road was a good piece of outreach.

‘Quakerism is perhaps at a crossroads.’

But do Friends today feel quite so positive about the doings of early Friends? George Fox’s Journal is not an easy read, and his tendency to verbally and physically abuse his opponents is a problem to accept. Patriarchal attitudes towards indigenous people in the Americas, and the separation of men and women in Meetings, are not views we would accept today. Further doubts exist about involvement in the slave trade and the manufacture of weapons of war. The seventeenth century was very different from our own, of course: we are far less versed in the Bible, and don’t worry about a second coming; we can’t cope with lengthy worship; and we have abandoned the strict rules of dress and forms of address; we now enjoy theatre and dancing. 

Quakerism is perhaps at a crossroads as we focus on the climate crisis and diversity/equality issues. Would it matter very much if the story of early Friends disappeared into the mists of time? Are we still the Religious Society of Friends? Do we use the Bible as a source for ministry? What would Fox think if he came to our Meeting?

 Tradition is an integral part of most religions, providing a theological approach, a structure for worship, and familiar words and images. Has something being lost if we forget our history as displayed in the Tapestry? I think so.

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