Celebrating the 400th anniversary of its 'founding father', George Fox’s birth, the Quaker Tapestry Museum has launched a special exhibition titled Sing and Rejoice: George Fox, the English civil wars and the beginnings of Quakerism.

Mr Fox is a key figure in the history of Nonconformist religion in Britain.

Emerging from the backdrop of the English Civil Wars, his interpretation of faith took shape during a period of upheaval, persecution, and hope, leading to the formation of the dissenting group, friends of truth.

It later became the religious society of friends, or 'quakers' as commonly known.

The Westmorland Gazette: The exhibition is at the museum until December

Mr Fox's journey began with his disillusioned with the behaviours of mainstream Christians diverged from their professed beliefs, and that prompted him to explore an alternative.

The exhibition showcases his story and the development of Quakerism, featuring contributions from friends house, London and Swarthmoor hall, Ulverston, along with reproductions from the state papers at the national archives.

The exhibition opened on April 11, with general manager, Lisa Moore introducing the event and curator Francesca Vine providing an enlightening talk.

The event drew a large crowd with enthusiastic attendees engaging in spirited discussions about scripture, evolving faith of Quakerism, and the intriguing origins of Mr Fox’s bust.

Ms Vine said: "It was wonderful to see so many interested and engaged attendees.

"The exhibition and accompanying talk provoked lively discussion, which is exactly what we wanted to encourage on this special anniversary year."

The Pop-Up Exhibition Event featured an installation by students from Windermere School, who participated in a museum workshop where they learnt about curating.

Their creative ideas, object labels, and tapestry panel designs were showcased alongside reproductions of the Mr Fox panels of the Quaker Tapestry.

The initiative was generously supported by the audience engagement grant, sponsored by Arts Council England, Museum Development North West and Art fund.

The exhibition will run until December 14, 2024, and the entry is included with general admission.

From now until the end of October, the museum's opening hours are between 10am and 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with the last admission at 4pm.

From November, the museum will open from Wednesday to Saturday.