THE world renown Quaker Tapestry will go on show in Ely Cathedral at the end of the month, and the exhibition will run for four weeks.

The Quaker Tapestry Roadshow has already travelled to more than 150 venues in the UK, Europe, and America during the last 20 years, but this is the first time it has visited Ely.

The tapestry exhibition in the cathedral’s Lady Chapel runs from January 31 to February 29; it will also include a film, audio guides, children’s activities, gift shop and opportunities to see embroiderers working.

The Quaker Tapestry came into being as a result of a chance remark made by an eleven-year-old boy attending the children’s class of a small Quaker Meeting in the south west of England in 1981.

His teacher was accomplished embroiderer Anne Wynn-Wilson. She had the vision to create a number of large tapestry panels, telling something of the Quaker story and beliefs. In 1982 she mounted an exhibition of work in progress, and her ideas and determination aroused an enthusiastic response. Designers came forward, embroidery groups were formed, and training workshops were arranged.

As enthusiasm for the project spread, more than 4,000 men, women and children in 15 countries contributed to the creation of the Quaker Tapestry.

The tapestry was completed in 1996, and it includes 77 panels of embroidery on specially woven wool cloth. The tapestry tells of Quaker events, and includes stories from the industrial revolution, developments in science and medicine, astronomy, the abolition of slavery, and social reform.

INFO: Opening times are 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Groups of 15 or more should book in advance and will be given a welcome introductory talk. Please telephone 01539 722975 or email info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk