The allure of historical wall tapestries

Since antiquity people have used textiles for all rangethe domain of practical decor into the realms of art.
of purposes. From blankets for warmth, to elaborateBoasting famous works like the Bayeux Tapestry and
woven fabrics for commerce, they have been at thethe Lady and the Unicorn series, the Medieval era is
very center of human life.seen by many as the golden age of tapestry art. More
The need for textiles, combined with our desire toimportantly for the first time we see tapestry wall
enhance the world around us, has given rise to a hugehangings widely appreciated as works of art, rather
range of fabric based art, everything from basicthan just practical pieces of home furnishing. A growing
colored cloth to complex woven textiles. Wallpopularity
tapestries have long been one of the mostReproductions of these famous works are proving
accomplished forms of this art, having a history datingvery popular with modern audiences. Given the
back millennia, and artists from almost all cultures havehistorical importance of these works of art some of
contributed some form of textile wall art.the current productions available are fastidious copies
Recently tapestries and wall hangings have enjoyed aof the originals. The very best of these capture the
rise in interest, with many people looking beyonddrama and virtuosity of historical art, perfectly blending
traditional options for wall decor. The tactile nature ofit with modern weaving methods. The end result is
tapestries, combined with their rich history, has madeoften very faithful to the original artists' vision, with all
them once again a choice for the well-informed homethe durability and appeal of modern fabrics.
improver.Traditional tapestry designsFrom the vivid colors of Medieval tapestries, to the
Although there is an increasing amount ofexoticism of Eastern schools of weaving, traditional
contemporary art available as tapestries, it is thetapestry designs often surprise modern art lovers with
traditional designs from the past that are the mosttheir attention to detail, their ability to capture emotion
popular. Since tapestries have enjoyed a long historyand their exploration of timeless themes such as love
these can include anything from Gothic wall hangings,and romance. An enduring allure
to French Baroque and Rococo works from the 17thBecause of this these centuries-old designs are
and 18th centuries, to more recent 19th century Williamenjoying a renewed prominence and are once again
Morris and Pre-Raphaelite art.making their way into the homes of taste conscious
The main appeal of these impressive works is theirart lovers. Every wall tapestry, because of the
connection with history. The range of designs andindividuality of the weaving process, is a unique work
themes is vast and include subject matter as diverseof art unlike any other. In a world driven by mass
as the rise and fall of nations, the importance of artproduction art and home decor enthusiasts are drawn
movements at different times, and the prominence ofto the uniqueness of wall tapestries as an antidote to
individual artists and groups. Most appealing is thatthe monotony of many other décor options.
each has its own claim to history. This combination ofNow, despite their ancient origins, many people are
artistic excellence and history writ large is provingagain looking towards historical tapestries and wall
irresistible to many art lovers who yearn for morehangings as an answer to their modern home decor
depth in their home decor choices.aspirations. With an ever growing range of options for
There are many famous tapestries from the past. Inshoppers the choice has never been better.
particular the Middle Ages took wall tapestries fromCopyright © The Tapestry House, all rights reserved.