Bring the
rich history of tapestry wall hangings into your home
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. |
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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.
For more information on
tapestries
or to choose from a wide range of rugs and rug products select
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