A tapestry can create a whole new look

In medieval times, tapestry wall hangings were a sign of wealth and influence. They involved the work of many hands, and weeks or even months to complete. The tapestry was more than a decorative wall hanging. They were often commissioned by wealthy lords to commemorate a special event, or a family crest or theme.

Hung on cold stone walls, they provided warmth, covered windows and openings to the outdoors, and afforded privacy. Some of the most famous pieces of art, particularly textile art, date from those years. Many of those are available as reproductions for your home.

What’s the difference between a tapestry wall hanging and an embroidered one? Tapestry is a weaving technique. The colors that create the pattern, picture or design are a part of the fabric itself rather than being added on to it with stitches after the material is finished.

In a medieval tapestry wall hanging, the colored yarns or threads are not carried all the way through the width of the fabric. Instead, they are discontinued where the color ends. To prevent ‘splitting’ of colors—where two different hues are beside each other—weavers developed a number of different ways to splice and enclose the loose ends of the threads. These different kinds of joins are one way to tell what school of design an original tapestry wall hanging is from.
 
Among the most famous tapestries are several from France in the Middle Ages. These include the Bayeaux tapestry, which is said to have been commissioned by the Bishop Odo to commemorate his brother’s triumph in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. There is a mild irony to the Bayeaux tapestry being known as one of the most famous in history. In actuality, the Bayeaux ‘tapestry’ is really an embroidered wall hanging. The designs and pictures used in it are embroidered in laid and couching stitches rather than being woven into the tapestry wall hanging itself.
 
Other famous tapestries include the Lady and Unicorn tapestries that are widely copied for contemporary tapestry wall hangings, posters, notebooks and more. Tapestry is far from a dead art, though. The art of weaving tapestry wall hangings is carried on throughout the world by artisans working in many countries. Today’s designs may use traditional themes like hunting, florals or still life’s, or they may depart from tradition with vivid abstracts and simple designs. No matter what the theme, a tapestry wall hanging can bring a touch of regality to a bare wall in your home.

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