INTRODUCTION

Tapestry is the earliest type of woven decorating material. The term tapestry refers to any heavy materials which is mainly handwoven or embroidered. Primarily, tapestries were used for decorating other clothes and covering the furniture, walls, or floors. However, from the 18th and 19th centuries, the actual definition of tapestry has been bound to heavy, reversible, patterned, or figured handwoven textiles, mainly in the form of couch cloth or hangings. 

This decorative piece of woven material has been used to create the most exquisite textile artworks globally. Starting from the second half of the 14th century to the end of the 18th century can be termed Europe’s golden age of tapestry weaving. This golden age was famous for inventing the wall-hanging method of tapestries. More than 2000 tapestries were hung at numerous places of Henry VIII’s palace. 

Let’s take a trip back in time to discover the intriguing history of tapestries.

HISTORY OF TAPESTRIES

This history of tapestries makes it abundantly evident that having a wall hanging from a tapestry in your home adds interior beauty and a sense of the past. From the medieval, renaissance, and Arts and Crafts eras, European weavers have been creating beautiful textiles for centuries.

The history of tapestries is traced here, starting with the ancient Egyptians and ending with William Morris, Francois Boucher, the Gobelins workshops, and medieval tapestry weaving.

Materials

Wool is the most commonly used weaving material in tapestry; it is typically used to make the weft and warp threads because of its inherent strength and flexibility. Tapestry weaving hugely benefits from its availability and ease of dyeing. The design often achieves Intricate detailing and depth by using silk threads in the weft instead of wool. 

Although expensive, metal threads are more frequently employed in little tapestries like bible covers and handbags than larger hangings, even though they can enhance intricacy.

Ancient Period

Evidence suggests that the weaving skill of complex textiles dates back to the Hellenistic era, and tapestries originated in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and China. In these prehistoric communities, rugs were attractive and functioned as insulation and warmth providers.

Medieval Period

During this period, this decorative material became an art form. Tapestries were adopted by European nobility as status and affluence emblems. The artisans of this period crafted intricate scenes that portrayed mythological, religious, and historical events. A considerable portion of the populace was illiterate. Therefore, tapestries provided a visual story to adorn the walls of manors and castles.

Renaissance

Renaissance is marked as the golden age for the tapestries. The artisans made the design of the tapestries more intricate with vibrant colors and detailed landscapes, and intricate patterns are the main points that uplifted the weaving skills of that time. 

Soon, these waving materials became a valuable commodity with the expanding trading of Europeans. This trading route blended the aesthetics of the Eastern and Western world. But, in the 18th century, the tapestries witnessed a declining popularity due to the economic and traditional shift.

Art groups, including the Arts and Crafts movement and the Art Nouveau era, rekindled interest in producing tapestries, which restored the value of handcrafted fabrics.

CONCLUSION

Rich artistic, cultural, and historical threads are woven throughout the history of tapestries, creating a rich tapestry unto itself. Throughout history, tapestries have been revered as emblems of artistry and narrative, from their modest beginnings in prehistoric societies to the lavish palaces of medieval Europe and their current cultural renaissance. 

Placing these elaborate works of art around our houses allows us to join a centuries-old history and connect to the grace and creativity of the ancient ages.