The Allure of Historical Wall Tapestries

Since antiquity people have used textiles for all range of purposes. From blankets for warmth, to elaborate woven fabrics for commerce, they have been at the very center of human life.
The need for textiles, combined with our desire to enhance the world around us, has given rise to a huge range of fabric based art, everything from basic colored cloth to complex woven textiles. Tapestries and wall hangings have long been one of the most accomplished forms of this art, having a history dating back millennia, and artists from almost all cultures have contributed some form of textile wall art.

Recently tapestries and wall hangings have enjoyed a rise in interest, with many people looking beyond traditional options for wall decor. The tactile nature of tapestries, combined with their rich history, has made them once again a choice for the well-informed home improver.

Traditional tapestry designs
Although there is an increasing amount of contemporary art available as tapestry wall hangings, it is the traditional designs from the past that are the most popular. Since tapestries have enjoyed a long history these can include anything from Gothic wall hangings, to French Baroque and Rococo works from the 17th and 18th centuries, to more recent 19th century William Morris and Pre-Raphaelite art.

The main appeal of these impressive works is their connection with history. The range of designs and themes is vast and include subject matter as diverse as the rise and fall of nations, the importance of art movements at different times, and the prominence of individual artists and groups. Most appealing is that each has its own claim to history. This combination of artistic excellence and history writ large is proving irresistible to many art lovers who yearn for more depth in their home decor choices.

There are many famous tapestries from the past. In particular the Middle Ages took wall tapestries from the domain of practical decor into the realms of art. Boasting famous works like the Bayeux Tapestry and the Lady and the Unicorn series, the Medieval era is seen by many as the golden age of tapestry art. More importantly for the first time we see tapestry wall hangings widely appreciated as works of art, rather than just practical pieces of home furnishing.

A growing popularity
Reproductions of these famous works are proving very popular with modern audiences. Given the historical importance of these works of art some of the current productions available are fastidious copies of the originals. The very best of these capture the drama and virtuosity of historical art, perfectly blending it with modern weaving methods. The end result is often very faithful to the original artists' vision, with all the durability and appeal of modern fabrics.

From the vivid colors of Medieval tapestries, to the exoticism of Eastern schools of weaving, traditional tapestry designs often surprise modern art lovers with their attention to detail, their ability to capture emotion and their exploration of timeless themes such as love and romance.

An enduring allure
Because of this these centuries-old designs are enjoying a renewed prominence and are once again making their way into the homes of taste conscious art lovers. Every tapestry, because of the individuality of the weaving process, is a unique work of art unlike any other. In a world driven by mass production art and home decor enthusiasts are drawn to the uniqueness of wall tapestries as an antidote to the monotony of many other décor options.

Now, despite their ancient origins, many people are again looking towards historical tapestries and wall hangings as an answer to their modern home decor aspirations. With an ever growing range of options for shoppers the choice has never been better.

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Medieval Art: A Different Approach to Home Décor

The Medieval era is the period in European history from the fall of Rome to the Italian Renaissance; from 476AD to 1450AD. During this time Europe went through a series of considerable changes, gradually laying the groundwork for elements of the Renaissance and later periods. During this time Art flourished and came to embrace Christianity.

Medieval art emerged from a blend of Roman art and German art, thrown together during the upheavals of the Middle Ages. Its distinct, gothic look owes much to both its influences, and very quickly developed along distinct lines.

It is this distinct element to it that makes it so striking and, even now, is a serious consideration for anyone looking for something unusual and striking for their home décor and home accent choices.

Medieval Art
During the Middle Ages art often depicted scenes from everyday life, and at times was used to illustrate stories, fables and myths. There are a number of recurring themes seen in work from this time, including mythical beasts, a preoccupation with sense and perception, glorification of battles and the celebration of great dynasties.

Of particular importance was the emergence of religious symbolism; using art as a means to communicate complex metaphysical concepts such as love, redemption and forgiveness. Art rose to the challenge and the sheer breadth of the art produced is one of the main reasons the Gothic style remains an iconic and fundamental pillar of western art.

Now many are looking again at the art of the Middle Ages as an exciting and unusual addition to their home décor options. With many possibilities, from quality prints to wall tapestries, they are being appreciated by more and more people looking for something a little different.

Medieval Prints
A great many famous works from the Middle Ages have been reproduced as prints and posters. Some of the best examples from history are now available, and are a real treasure trove of information as well as a unique piece of wall art.

One of the most popular is Les Vendanges (The Grape Harvest). Woven in the late 15th century it was designed to celebrate the annual wine harvest and it depicts the peasants gathering the grapes for use in wine making. The design includes the distinctive Mille Fleurs decoration typical of Medieval art.

During the Middle Ages art was commissioned by the wealthy and tended to reflect dramatic themes and religious symbolism. More rarely work was commissioned to depict everyday scenes, like Les Vendanges, offering a rare glimpse into life during Medieval times.

Although the original was a wall tapestry high quality prints lose none of the original texture and drama, and make an exceptional addition to any décor scheme.

Medieval Wall Tapestries
Although prints enjoy a privileged position in home décor popular Medieval art is increasingly available as luxury wall tapestries. The woven nature of tapestry art adds depth and texture to these already impressive works and makes a distinct alternative to framed art.

A growing number of Medieval tapestries are now available. A particularly impressive example are wall tapestries inspired by the illustrated Medieval work Les Tres Riches Heures (The book of hours). As the name suggests it was a collection of text for each liturgical hour of the day which often included other supplementary texts such as calendars, prayers, psalms and masses for holy days.

The original manuscript was painted by three brothers, Paul, Hermann and Jean Limbourg from Flanders, believed to have been born between 1370 and 1380. The work was completed between 1412 and 1416. These tapestries depict the illustration from the calendar texts for various months, each related to an event associated with the time of year such as harvesting.

Because wall tapestries are textile based the weave often helps lift the original work making for a quite dramatic piece of décor. The best quality tapestries do an impressive job of not only reproducing the original detail, but add considerably to their charm and people can be quite taken aback at their distinctive nature.

Something for every taste
Nowadays many people are looking to Medieval art to add some charm and history to their home decor. With a vast array of options to choose from, including posters, prints and wall tapestries, there's never been a better time to appreciate these unique works of art.

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Why Tapestries Have Become a Popular Home Décor Choice

For millennia people have used tapestries and textiles to decorate their homes and today that trend continues. Wall tapestries are one of the most accomplished textile-based art forms and come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds lending them a diversity often envied in traditional art mediums.

In recent years tapestries have become a much talked about element of home décor and they are being used in a variety of interesting and unique ways and many well-known artists are licensing their artwork to be made into tapestries. Any subject matter from nature and landscapes to fantasy, impressionist and modern art can be used to create a tapestry providing the weaver has the skill to do so. These add an entirely unique dimension to this traditional form of art and modern day art lovers enjoy the blend of traditional and modern found in tapestry art.

Versatile materials with a modern twist
Traditional tapestries, particularly those from the Medieval Tapestry era, were made from wool. This provided a strong basis for applying dyes and pigments and had the added benefit of being hardwearing and easily available. Over time other fabrics have been added to the mix, but the basic principle of natural materials has remained with tapestry weaving, even to the present day, with the very best examples of tapestry art often using traditional materials and weaving techniques.

Natural fabric tapestries, usually incorporating wool as a main constituent, hold dyes and pigments well, creating a vitality and richness that shows why wall tapestries have been an important and popular art form for centuries. More recently tapestries now include synthetic fibers that help add strength to the original material. Woollen tapestry wall hangings when mixed with synthetic polymers have the distinct advantage of preserving the traditional warmth of wool tapestries, but add a long-lasting robustness that would have made them the envy of Medieval weavers.

The very best quality modern wall tapestries make the most of this blend of old and new, using new improved fibers to reproduce classical art and famous tapestry art from the past. With the improvements made to pigments and dyes in the last century we can now easily buy faithful reproductions of centuries-old tapestry designs; unseen in such vibrant colors since the time they were originally designed.

As well as traditional materialschenille tapestriesis a popular choice for modern tapestry wall hangings mainly because it is a flexible material that is soft and adaptable. It can be used in a broad range of household décor items, including wall tapestries and throws. When decorating your home chenille tapestries can add an elegant finishing touch which also has a degree of versatility that is hard to accomplish in other ways.

A chenille piece can often be hung as a wall hanging and used as a throw, with all the range of design and color options you find in traditional wall tapestries. However the real popularity of chenille tapestries derive from the fact that they warm the room and make it feel cozy and comfortable.

A decorating challenge
Some spaces can present a decorating challenge. A room may feel too small while others feel large and cold. Sometimes smooth, modern walls don’t quite gel with antique style furniture or accents. Like any form of high quality art tapestries can aide the informed home décor enthusiast and open a window to the past, expand living space both emotionally and visually, create the basis for a theme, add color and give your living space individuality, personality and charm.

Furnishings that are otherwise bland will assume character when complimented with a beautiful tapestry. Choosing a tapestry and using it creatively can minimize and solve a decorating problem by presenting a flash of color or opening a window to another time or place. With a vast range now available it is easy to find a wall tapestry that will provide you with many years of viewing enjoyment.

If a room is small and needs something to make it feel less cramped, consider choosing a tapestry that will bring a breath of fresh air into your living space. This could be a city, land, seascape or a traditional tapestry design such as Medieval. Choosing a horizontal tapestry will help add length to a room or try opening a space by choosing a tapestry with doorways and windows. These types of tapestries give an illusion of added space by leading the eye of the viewer outward.

If your room is large and cold, scale it down by hanging a series of smaller tapestries together. This creates the illusion of a smaller space and can bring a large, blank wall down in size. Hanging small tapestries together will also add warmth to your room. When creating this illusion be sure to choose tapestries of a similar theme.

Charming, versatile and beautiful
Wall tapestries, often rich in history, can transport us to another time and place and reduce the stress of today’s busy world. They encourage reflective and tranquil moments, enlighten the human spirit and are great subjects of conversation. They also elevate our personal space, add charm and coziness to our homes and are balm for the soul.

All of these qualities have made wall tapestries a popular choice amongst art lovers for centuries. Today with modern textiles and fabrics and centuries of tradition, art and design behind them many are finding wall tapestries as charming, versatile and beautiful as ever.

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Floral Art Tapestries in the Modern Home

If you are interested in adding an elegant touch to your home décor without losing your contemporary edge, you might want to consider decorating your walls with floral tapestries. These classic works of art use various plants and flower arrangements to convey a timeless serenity, while at the same time allowing one the flexibility of incorporating modern accents into a design theme.

The right still life tapestry can blend seamlessly with a room’s furniture and accessories (such as lamps and other lighting fixtures), while at the same time providing the perfect visual enhancement to offset contemporary surroundings. Floral tapestries have a way of establishing a sense of balance in a room, perhaps because they remind us of an inherent need to be grounded in the natural and organic.

Why Are Flowers Contemporary?
At first glance, it’s easy to understand why some floral tapestries may almost seem unsuitable for the modern home. After all, many elaborate original tapestries were woven in centuries past and now reside in historical European museums. Cultures all over the world have embraced floral still life art for centuries in different ways, for different reasons.

But one could also argue that it is precisely this diversity of appreciation that has lent itself well to contemporary applications. Keep in mind that modern interior design tends to focus on creating space and light. If you choose a floral tapestry with bright and natural colors, the openness of the contemporary theme is highlighted.

Another way to understand the appeal of floral still life in contemporary culture is to understand the complex philosophical and sociological issues the modern world faces. For many, a floral tapestry can offer a metaphorical glimpse into the human condition. Flowers are often viewed as representing an inescapable frailty, while simultaneously providing a sense of hope and optimism.

A Wide Assortment of Choices
Incorporating floral still life tapestries into your contemporary design theme does not mean that you have to sacrifice individuality when developing a modern feel. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

The open, airy nature of many modern and post-modern themes means that the tapestry you choose can reflect whatever you want it to reflect. There are so many combinations and choices available on the market that you should have no problem finding a piece that not only encompasses your personality and individual style, but also retains the spacious, open characteristics of contemporary design.

The Ivy Column
Consider a portrait such as the Ivy Column tapestry, which combines all the significant elements of contemporary design into a vivid display of ambient surrealism. Sunlight shines on a country house with a stunning array of colorful foliage surrounding it.

The inclusion of the pond in this portrait only further solidifies the sense that all forms of nature are represented in the piece. In essence, this piece has it all – that is, something for everyone.

Complexity in Openness
A range of complex personalities can be accurately represented in pieces such as the Ivory Mural tapestry, the Floral Decadence tapestry, and the classic Directoire tapestries. These remarkable works of art manage to capture the bright, cheerful colors associated with many contemporary designs, yet the intricate floral patterns and organic settings are likely to inspire and challenge the thinking person’s awareness for years to come.

Beauty in Simplicity
On the other hand, some people believe less is more – an equally valid assertion in modern design preferences. The Prestige (Dawn) tapestry and the Prestige (Midday) tapestry are both perfect examples of how the focus on a simple tree can speak volumes.

These tapestry portraits allow the imagination to run wild in the fantasy world depicted by the artists who developed them. The natural landscapes depicted in these pieces exist nowhere in the actual world, yet it is not at all difficult to image that they could. The viewer is drawn in to the simplicity of a single tree, yet the artist manages to capture other faint still life images of birds and plant life in the background. The approach is both subtle and effective.

Combining the Simple and the Complex
Perhaps among the most effective representations in floral tapestries are those which draw upon all of the elements we have discussed. For example, the Classical Rose tapestry is conceptually straightforward – in essence, a vase of roses. Upon deeper examination, however, it becomes clear that the artist’s use of light and choice of background provide a depth and clarity to the piece that touches the soul on a much more substantive level.

Modern Décor and Floral Tapestries
The elegant yet uncomplicated concept of a flower arrangement has been the motif of many still life artists throughout time. These works have been faithfully reproduced in the tapestry world, and they represent an incredible assortment of selections one can employ when developing a contemporary design theme. Floral still life tapestries can contribute to the bright and spacious nature of modern design, while at the same time providing viewers with an intriguing experience that requires an intensity of concentration to fully comprehend and appreciate.

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A History of Tapestry: part two

It was the Andean Indian cultures of ancient Peru who produced the most accomplished weaving in pre-Columbian America. The technique of Tapestry weaving among these peoples dates back to the beginning of the Christian Era, and was well established by the 6th and 7th century. Tapestry was used to decorate garments and was often integral to the fabric itself. Surprisingly, due to the dry desert climate, a number of these weavings survived in Peruvian coastal burial sites. Examination of these relics reveals some of the most skilled and varied techniques of weaving ever present in any culture.

The study of Spanish chronicles and ancient Peruvian pottery inform us that the weaving was generally done by greatly skilled women. Such was their skill that some of the relics discovered have been found with 150 to 250 weft threads per square inch. Most of the tapestries are polychrome as the use of natural dyes made for a vast range of colors. Strong colours were favored over more subtle graded tones, especially in the Inca period. The designs were often of geometric patterns, or human and animal figures. Plant motifs were uncommon.

The viceroyalty of Peru, after the Spanish conquest, imported looms and the practice of tapestry weaving was continued throughout the colonial period. The Inca and mestizo people developed a surprising blend of Indian traditions and European Influences that is still witnessed today.

It is probable that climatic conditions in Central America and Mexico impeded the survival of tapestry relics so it is not certain whether these weaving techniques were present in other pre-Columbian cultures.

From Ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages

The Tapestries of the Native Egyptian Christians, (Copts) are of particular interest. Produced between the 3rd and 12th century they provided a link between the art of the Middle Ages in Western Europe and the art of the ancient world.

In the 4th century the practice and ritual of mummification was abandoned and the dead were buried in their daily clothes (tapestry trimmed) or wrapped in discarded tapestry wall hangings ; as a result many fragments from the 5th to the 7th century have been discovered in the Egyptian burial sites of Antinoe, Saqqarah and Akhmim. Most of the early Coptic tapestries were woven with native designs often related to the Egyptian funerary cult of Osiris and included the wine amphora and the grape vine or ivy. Because of their relevance to revival in a life after death these motifs were considered appropriate. Other favourite subjects included the lions and the hares, hunter on horseback, mythological creatures, dancing figures and baskets of flowers and fruits. Christian figures and biblical stories are rare.

Tapestries were also used for the ornamental decoration of Christian Churches but few of these tapestries survive today.

Although a few silk weft tapestries have been preserved the majority of Coptic tapestries were woven with woolen wefts on linen warps. In the 7th and possibly 8th century embroidered borders or margins often supplemented the tapestries ornamentation. The earliest Coptic tapestries were done using the silhouette technique whereby a stunning effect was created by use of a single dark color for the design or motif against a lighter background color. Polychrome tapestries became increasingly common after the 5th century.

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A History of Tapestry: part 1

It is difficult to put an exact date on when and where the art of tapestry originated as the surviving evidence is both rare and fragmented (true tapestries include various primitive textiles woven on the rudest of early looms). However, the evidence we do have indicates that the earliest known tapestry weaving was worked in linen by the Ancient Egyptians between the period 1483 and 1411 BC.

Some scholars believe that tapestry art was introduced to the egyptians by the ancient people of Mesopatamia. They argue that since tapestries were not produced in quantities until the 4th century the likelihood of the art being indigenous is remote.

Fragments, preserved by the dry desert climate of Egypt, were discovered in the tomb of Thutmose IV (the 8th Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt). Two of these ancient fragments have cartouches of Egyptian Pharaohs and the third is a succession of hieroglyphs. Also, a woven tapestry glove and a robe were discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen c1323 BC.

In the first millennium before Christ the evidence suggests that the art of tapestry weaving was flourishing throughout Western Asia. Fragments that date from the 4th or 3rd century BC were discovered in burial places in the Ukraine near Kerch on the Crimean Peninsula. The designs of these fragments are very ornamental and of a Hellenistic style that was particularly prevalent in Syrian art at that time.

Another fragment dating 200 to 500 years later was found in China at Lou-lan in the Uighur Autonomous Region of Sinkiang, and again shows Syrian connections and is of silken weave. The archaeological sites of Palmyra and Doura-Europus also produced fragments of tapestries. Unfortunately, the climatic conditions in the Middle East was not ideal for textile preservation and for this reason it is hard to determine that at the start of the Christian Era Syria was a great centre of tapestry weaving and production.

In both ancient Greece and Rome there are literary descriptions of tapestry production. Homer, in the Odyssey (8th century BC?), describes Penelope, whilst waiting for Odysseus, working on a tapestry that was unraveled each night. In Metamorphoses, Ovid, the Roman Poet (43BC-AD 17), describes in detail the tapestry looms used by Arachne and Minerva in their mythological weaving contest.

Throughout the period of the Roman Empire the Romans imported tapestries in vast numbers to decorate their public buildings and the homes of the wealthy. It is generally accepted that the Latin terms related to tapestry and weaving are Greek in origin and therefore that the art of tapestry making was introduced to the Romans by the Greeks.

Tapestry Production in Eastern Asia
The K'o-ssu (Chinese tapestry of cut silk) has long been produced in China. The earliest surviving examples of K'o-ssu date from the T'ang dynasty (ad 618-907). Traditionally, made of entirely silk, these tapestries are fine in texture, light in weight and completely reversible. They differ from European tapestries in that the warps are vertical to the pattern as opposed to European tapestries that are woven horizontally.

Fragments from the eighth century have been discovered in desert oases around Turfan in the Uighur Autonomous Region of Sinkiang, China. And late T'ang fragments have been found in the Ch'ien-fo-tung or Mo-kao-k'u (Caves of the Thousand Buddha's) near the town of Tun Huang in Kansu Province. Although these fragments are not representative of the more developed K'o-ssu of the T'ang period their beauty is in their simplicity of simple repeating patterns of ducks, lions, flowers and vines; and they were found mainly in relatively remote areas of Central Asia along the silk trade routes. The oldest known complete Chinese wall tapestry hangs in the Taima-dera, a temple near Nara, Japan. The tapestry is 43 square feet and tells the story of the T'ang dynasty priest Shan-tao.

It was during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) that the imperial family patronized the art of tapestry and workshops sprang up at Ting-Chou in Hopeh Province. In the Chekiang Province, under the Yuan dynasty (1206-1368) a government for weaving K'o-ssu was established at Hangchow. The rich ornamental designs produced by the factory were frequently woven with gold and silver thread. Few examples of the exquisite tapestries from the Ming period (1368-1644) exist today. The finest tapestries produced during the Ch'ing dynasty (1644-1911/12) are renowned for their delicate colouring and their use of religious and philosophical themes. Later tapestries from the Ch'ing dynasty have survived in abundance but technical and artistic decline are evident.

It was during the late 15th and early 16th century that the tapestry technique travelled from China to Japan. Tsuzure-nishiki (Japanese polychrome tapestry) is much different from Chinese tapestry in its more pronounced surface relief. This affect is achieved by using thick cotton weft threads covered with gold, silver or silken thread. The production of Japanese tapestry flourished during the Tokugawa (Edo) period (1603-1867) and continued throughout the seventeenth and eighteen century.

Unusually, Japanese tapestries were used primarily to decorate garments and wrapping gifts, they were rarely used as wall hangings.

The history of tapestry art in Korea remains somewhat ambiguous but the productions of coarse tapestry woven rugs with stylized motifs are still in production today.

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The History of Abraham Tapestries

Tapestries Endure the Test of Time

Throughout the world, tapestry collections have captivated small and large audiences alike. Artists have historically found many of their works transformed into the tapestry medium, allowing for not only a greater widespread appreciation of their work, but for new and exciting interpretations to emerge around the vivid use of color and the complex textural attributes inherent in the extraordinary weavings.

The appeal of such collections is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Tapestries have been commissioned for ages as a means of expression. Some tapestries have focused on the powerful nature of religious beliefs, while others have been centered around abstract symbolism representing the lifestyles, culture, traditions and celebrations of the periods during which they were conceived. These original tapestry collections have found their way into museums throughout the world and are highly revered in the art community.

The Lure of Medieval Tapestry Collections
Perhaps some of the most significant tapestries that connoisseurs have honored are the wide-ranging weavings undertaken during medieval times. These intricate and delicate collections have managed to withstand the test of time -- both physically and figuratively -- in such a way as to secure prominent positions in art history.

Some of the more well-known tapestry collections around the world have incorporated unicorns into their designs. Unicorns have been used throughout history to symbolize a range of concepts and emotions – many of which were based on religious experiences and beliefs, elements of human nature, or a combination of these attributes. Among the most famous of these is the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series on display at the Cluny Museum in Paris, France. This valued collection employs the use of unicorns to visually represent various human senses, such as smell, sight and touch.

Another exquisite tapestry collection involving unicorns resides in New York City at the Cloisters Museum. The series, entitled La Chasse de la Licorne, dates back to 16th century France and includes intricate and esoteric pieces such as LiCorne a la Fontaine and LiCorne Captive. These multi-faceted weavings provide an abstract suggestion of the unicorn’s healing powers (particularly with regard to the unicorn’s horn), which was a widely-held belief during the Middle Ages. The unicorns also symbolized many significant religious beliefs during the Medieval period, particularly with regard to the turmoil endured by Christ, as well as the age-old conflict between good and evil -- and between purity and corruption.

Shrouded in Mystery -- The Bayeux Tapestry
One of the more enigmatic and widely-recognized tapestry works is that of the Bayeux Tapestry, which dates back to the 11th century. This impressive piece is not actually a collection of tapestries at all. Rather, it is a single massive embroidery that spans more than 70 meters and depicts the Battle of Hastings as fought by William the Conqueror in 1066. The work is often viewed as a “collection”, in that those who have reproduced it have typically split it into sections which focus on many of the highlights of the overall story.

The exact origins of the Bayeux Tapestry have provided much fodder for historians who have sought to unravel the mystery of its development: the first historical reference to the tapestry emerged in 1476, long after the work is believed to have been commissioned. In addition, the tapestry managed to endure significant abuse throughout its 900-year history, and the fact that very little documentation exists to explain how it has managed to survive all these years has only further contributed to the its mysterious appeal. The full-length original is now housed within a specially-designed museum in the Medieval town of Bayeux in France.

A Different Approach – William Morris Tapestries
While Medieval tapestry collections have provided art historians with an abundance of presentations to appreciate, modern approaches to tapestry art have been signified in part by the compelling works of William Morris. Morris’ company was founded in 1861 and established itself as the premiere outfit for the design and production of high-quality tapestries (as well as other art forms).

Morris believed deeply in the uniqueness of the artistic expression, and this individuality shines through in every piece which has his name attached to it. One of the more popular pieces, entitled Ehret Die Frauen, is on display at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, England. This piece offers a striking combination of colors developed under 20th century weaving techniques.

Other famous Morris tapestries include the Forest -- a detailed, peacock-themed work which currently resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London – and the Tree of Life, Flora and Woodpecker tapestries.

Tapestry Collections Continue to Inspire
Many of the tapestry collections that have gain prominence in the art community originated during Medieval times. However, tapestries have inspired artists throughout history to continue in the development of new and exciting forms of artistic expression. While touching on a few well-known tapestry collections here, it should be noted that a plethora of additional tapestries are spread throughout the world and continue to inspire and influence the art community worldwide.

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The Bayeux Tapestry

One of the oldest and most unique tapestries in the world is the magnificent Bayeux Tapestry. It stretches to more than 70 metres long and depicts the story of the events leading to William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066 and the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry is currently displayed in The Centre Guillaume le Conquerant (for the linguistically challenged that translates as "The William the Conqueror Centre").

The Bayeux Tapestry is not technically a tapestry but an intricate embroidery. Stitched in eight colours of woollen thread on linen it has survived for more than 900 years and is the only surviving relic detailing this significant historic event.

Origins and aesthetics

The exact origin of the Bayeux Tapestry has never been truly confirmed, however most of the historical evidence now points to Bishop Odo, the half brother of William the Conqueror, as the original commissioner of the masterpiece around 1070. This intriguing work of art was displayed in the Cathedral of Bayeux for a further 700 years where it served as a way of depicting the story of the conquest to the illiterate and uneducated masses.

Originally the embroidery was made from eight sections of linen which were then joined together. The stitching was worked in wool using couched work, stem, chain and split stitching. In sharp contrast to other examples of medieval embroidery the scenes stand out clearly against the linen and depict the events leading to the Norman Conquest and defeat of King Harold by William the Conqueror, and ends with the Battle of Hastings itself.

Inspiring Napoleon

The Bayeux Tapestry has served as an inspiration to Napoleon Bonaparte during his war against the English and he ordered the tapestry to be transported to Paris, apparently to motivate his planned attack on England which never occurred. The tapestry returned unscathed to the people of Bayeux, not for the first time. During the French Revolution the masterpiece ended up as a wagon cover until, rather fortuitously it was recognised and returned. This led the citizens to form an arts council to protect the work.

Northern France was devastated during both World Wars and the tapestry found itself hidden away during that time. It is now on display in Bayeux.
The town of Bayeux was one of the first to be liberated during the Second World War by the Allies. Rather poignantly, the war cemetery at Bayeux has an inscription on the memorial to allied forces in Latin which translates as, “We the descendents of the people conquered by William, liberated his homeland.”