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Written by Administrator
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Art has often been considered the finishing touch to any home. Tapestries are often overlooked, however; many people don’t mentally classify them as art and fail to take advantage of this easy and lush way to enhance their living areas. Tapestries are actually one of the oldest and most widespread forms of art, with a long and colorful history reaching back thousands of years.
Tapestry fragments have been recovered which date from around 1400 BC in Egypt, and pictorial evidence suggests that the weaving of tapestries might have existed as a craft even 1,500 years before that. Iran and Crimea both boast scraps dating back to between 1 and 4 AD, and the ancient Greeks and Romans predate them by a dozen years or more.
Some of the most common portrayals among the earliest known tapestries followed the predictable theme of conquest. Battles were fought and won both by current warlords of the day or the ancient mythic heroes from the mists of forgotten times. Animals, birds, creatures of legend and pretty maidens were always a large part of tapestry art as well, and floral designs abound.
Medieval Times
As the centuries passed, the art of tapestry became more and more refined. The amount of detail present in tapestries from the medieval era is highly superior to that which went before, but the same topics remain the focus of attention. Ladies, lords, warriors and foes alike are displayed in the costumes of whatever era they hail from, and are surrounded by the tools of their trade. Knights wielding swords and lances straddle mighty steeds; their awestruck female audiences carry lapdogs and use fans to hide their blushes.
Medieval tapestries served to keep out the drafts and insulate chilly castle rooms and halls. By the time of the Renaissance they had become a commodity for luxury’s sake alone and many a wealthy merchant or tradesman commissioned tapestries woven to imitate works of the masters in other artistic fields. Many famous paintings were rendered in warp and weft and reproductions became common. Fine artisans in the realm of tapestry weaving were high in demand, and many a noble would attach a master weaver to his castle retinue.
Coats of arms became popular subjects to have woven into a wall hanging. This could grace the front entry of any great hall and add a symbolic touch that reminded visitors that the lord of the manor was indeed the lord of the manor. Tapestries crossed the Atlantic with the early colonists and became a status symbol in the New World; The wealthy could use them to impress visitors with their worth and they still served a practical purpose by providing insulation on walls and added warmth in the bedchamber.
Tapestries Remain Popular Through the Centuries
With the invention of the Jacquard loom in 1801, tapestries became more available and reproductions became even more in demand. Recreations of tapestries showing historic battles and conquests have always been popular, and the constant warring among different factions in Europe provided plenty of inspiration. Medieval knights and the accompanying trappings regained popularity as well, with St George battling the Dragon proving a lasting favorite.
Prowess in sport is almost as popular a subject as that of combat - hunting scenes are a great favorite, with stag, fox and hare as favored game. Horse and hound course merrily across many tapestries while the foliage of trees and details of the forest in the background add to the lush three dimensional effect. Reproductions of these tapestries are favorites of interior designers as they blend easily into almost any décor. The earthy tones mixed with the gay hunting apparel make an appealing picture to adorn any wall.
Tapestries in Interior Design
Today tapestries that represent almost any period of history can be obtained to boost the interest factor of your walls. All you have to do is decide on an era you would like to portray, and build your interior decorating them around that ideal. This might mean a gentle decadence to accent the sweet romanticism of many Renaissance pieces, or a opulent setting to bring out the riotous colors in a floral design from India.
Whatever piece you choose, you can know it will never go out of style - tapestries are the definite last word when it comes to wall art and just like a painting by a master no-one can fault a tapestry when it comes to dressing up a room. The texture and depth they lend will make them sure conversation pieces and a welcome addition to any home. |
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Written by Administrator
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The use of tapestries in American interior design was the height of fashion in the late 1800’s. They represented elegance, and the new wealthy American aristocracy mimicked European styles that boasted wall tapestries in estate homes and castles.
People continue to seek individualist ways to decorate their home that will reflect their good taste and sense of style. A wall tapestry is a sophisticated alternative to a framed painting or an oil canvass. The variety of quality art, unique textures, and ornate hardware options for hanging them make tapestries an enduring choice for any décor.
Tapestry is an ancient art form woven on a loom—Egyptian mummies were buried in tapestries. The ones of highest quality are crafted by hand. Imagine the possibilities of texture and color that pop and immediately draw the eye to where the tapestry is displayed. The right tapestry in the right décor is truly a wall to wall solution for modern homes that boast high ceilings and huge expanses of open space.
The need and function of tapestries has evolved throughout the ages. Artistic or decorative values have replaced the more practical uses like for protection in cold castles during the Middle Ages. Today there is not a room in your home that would not benefit with a tapestry.
There are many tapestry choices!
Whimsical pillows and comfortable chenille tapestry throw on a sofa or bed add warmth and personality to any room. Your ordinary dining room table is instantly transformed with a tapestry runner down the middle woven from wool, silk, synthetic fibers, or cotton. That sleek fireplace without a mantel becomes the focal point of your room with a six foot long tapestry over it in a modern or rustic design that compliments your marble or slate floors.
Another important décor decision when purchasing a tapestry is the style of hardware chosen to accentuate its placement on a wall. Cast iron sets with rods, finials and brackets are available in a variety of finish colors such as gold leaf, bronzed wood, or flat black. Hang your tapestry close to the wall with decorative solid brass hooks.
If your tapestry is an antique, or a traditional medieval or Renaissance style, a Fleur de Lies or an enlarged spear shape finials would compliment that style period. If you seek a more modern tapestry design like a single flower or a geometric design, select a simple brass or pewter ball finial on the end of the rod.
Where can you find the best tapestries?
Flanders, Belgium is well known as one of the origins of the ancient technique of tapestry weaving. Other countries contributing to the spread of tapestries throughout the world are England, France, Italy and Germany. The artwork depicted on European tapestries has reflected the décor styles of each new age throughout history.
Belgium and Italian tapestries favor rural scenes within their country or religious themes. After the Renaissance, English, French and German tapestries reflected the popularity of hunting and game animals, even war scenes from famous battles in history. Flowers and gardens are a universally popular theme in European tapestries.
People collect valuable antiques and works of art and enjoy displaying them in their home. An antique tapestry from Flanders or France will add a unique dimension to a room filled with other collectibles. They become cherished possessions and will be passed down from generation to generation with a sentimental value that goes beyond its price tag.
Matching your tapestry to your décor
A French tapestry is the perfect fit if your home décor is the popular Country French style. With this sunny, earthy and rustic design, tapestries can add an elegant and even romantic touch to your home. Bring the freshness of the outdoors into your home with a handsome floral tapestry.
If you prefer the more modern Scandinavian Style, look for a tapestry that favors a basic color palette of whites, beiges, natural light wood tones. A geometric design in bright red can contrast dramatically with the predominately basic colors.
An eclectic theme is a perfect fit for tapestries. When a style is allowed to mix anything in order to create a completely individualized style, tapestries make an unequaled décor statement. An old world tapestry, or one with a religious theme, would enhance your personal style and it could become an evocative conversation piece.
No matter the size of the walls in your home, tapestries can be used as a wall to wall décor that adds value to your home. When you begin the search for just the right tapestry, you may find that adding tapestries as accents in your home has become addictive! |
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Written by Administrator
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For centuries faith and spirituality has inspired art and the development of tapestry. The Quaker tapestry is a twentieth century creation, and originally an idea by Anne Wynne-Wilson after studying the magnificence of the Bayeux Tapestry. She became enthralled at the concept of telling stories through tapestry and aimed to create a project that told the story of the development of the Quaker religion worldwide. As the masterpiece grew the very essence of spirituality became woven into the work.
The Bayeux Connection
Anne Wynne-Wilson proposed a crewel based tapestry consisting of separate panels which could then be sent to different Friends in the Quaker faith to complete, and at the same time enable people to learn about the story of the Quaker religion. Like the Bayeux Tapestry the technique saw three separate panels, each with a restricted colour scheme on hand woven wool with the material designed to stand the test of time. The tapestry contained four ancient stitches – Stem, Knot, Split and Chain with the thread laying method of Bayeux Point, and natural dyes. The original intention had been to create a tapestry to tell the story of the development of the Quaker faith globally, however the faith of the stitchers became embedded in the work and in doing so captured the very essence of the elements that motivate Quaker faith.
The Children of Light
Light has always been significant in the teaching of Quakerism, particularly the concept of Inner Light. This is portrayed via the first tapestry inspiring Quakers to use themselves to reflect their inner light on others. A simple prism glowing colour and direction strengthens the belief that early Quakers called themselves “The Children of Light.”
George Fox founded the Quaker movement in 1652 and his life and teaching is beautifully recorded throughout the panels. Accompanying pictures of events in his life are texts with simple Quaker teachings and beliefs. Light weaves its way through the tapestry and acts as a simple thread which joins the thoughts, work and culture of Quakerism. Panels bearing simple teaching and thought accompany designs of key Quakers such as Fox, and tell their story through tapestry. Through the panels the feeling of quiet contemplation and simplicity emerges when viewing the designs of Quaker Merchants or John Woolman in prayer. Others reflect a more turbulent time and portray anger, persecution and a questioning of belief during the history of the religion. The panel depicting the persecutions of Oxford in 1654 have been designed to impart fear and the real horror of the event when two Quaker missionaries attempted to talk to the people. The detailed facial expressions ensure the dark days of Quaker history are told to the observer and not forgotten. Art has always enabled stories to be told through expression and simplicity and this dramatic and reflective work stands as a testimony to the Quaker faith.
Simple Values of a Global Religion
As light shines through the panels the true Quaker values of healing, compassion and reform emerge. Elizabeth Fry and her work in transforming prison services, known Quaker doctors who pioneered new ways of healing, and those who reached out to help displaced people are represented in the stitching and tell the story in simple words and pictures of their life’s contribution. Healing through plants and the relief of suffering weave their way through the tapestry with the placing of delicate botanical pictures adding colour and light.
The adventurous and enterprising nature of Quakers is portrayed both with the designs of William Penn discovering Pennsylvania and in those showing engineering inventions and the whole tapestry manages to tell many different stories within one bigger tale. Each small picture carries a message and new learning within the designs and colour schemes. Simple Quaker texts combined with pictures and expressions impart the thoughts and beliefs of their designers in a creative tableau.
The unique concept behind the Quaker Tapestry has ensured a global belief has been captured by sending sections overseas to be completed, each adding a new story and a cultural flavour, whilst enabling the light of the Quaker faith to be reflected in the exquisite design.
An Inspirational Legacy
When the Bayeux Tapestry was designed and put on display it laid the foundation for a concept in storytelling that spanned the ages and enabled a tale to be portrayed in a unique media. In future years the Bayeux and Quaker Tapestries may inspire more creative ideas in art and design to tell a tale of momentous and transformational events in history and everyday life. |
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