Tapestry

The ancient art of tapestry weaving is alive and well today thanks to a continued appreciation for these hand-woven fabrics. The word tapestry refers to the weaving method, which is distinct due to the lack of backing used.

History of Tapestry

The first tapestries were woven by hand on basic looms with natural-dyed threads. These original tapestries, some dating back to the Egyptian era, portrayed pharaohs with their wealth. The Incas and Chinese were also masters of the loom.

During the Dark Ages and after the 5th century A.D., the majority of tapestries were woven in monasteries and convents. From the 15th through the 20th century, tapestry styles mimicked furniture trends such as the baroque, rococo, and classical styles. France, England, and Italy were just some of the European countries where this art form flourished. Americans didn't begin weaving tapestries until 1983 when a tapestry loom was set up in New York City.

Tapestry Technique

Unlike embroidery, tapestry weaving is done on a loom with horizontal threads tightly stretched and colored threads woven through them. These white or beige horizontal threads are called the warp and the colorful threads that make up the patterns and designs are called the weft. Foot pedals control the loom and raise or lower the warp so that the weft threads can be woven in between. Turn a tapestry over and the pattern will still be there. This is the sign of a true tapestry.

A cartoon or pattern is drawn on paper or linen and place under the warp. The weaver follows the pattern and creates a design. Often the threads are labeled and correspond with the labels on the pattern.

Tapestry Materials

Ancient tapestries were commonly woven with fine silk and gold thread. The use of wool was introduced in early Europe, and earliest examples of this use date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Ancient Egyptians and Copts used linen threads and Peruvian Incas commonly used cotton threads.

Tapestry Usages

Originally, tapestries covered walls, furniture, floors, and clothing. Similar to paintings, tapestries were hung on walls and carried many themes including religious, war, mythology, and pastoral. Portability made tapestries a popular art form since they could be rolled up and taken to new dwellings.

Tapestries Today

Tapestries are still being hand made all over the world, but more and more of them are being made using machinery that expedites the weaving process. Many European countries produce fine reproductions that can take several months to create. Like other endangered art forms, tapestry artists are creating organizations unifying their talents and spreading their message to keep this ancient art form alive. Though many cannot afford a true tapestry, one can still appreciate their contribution to the art world by visiting museums and churches and admiring the stories that they tell.

By Sophia Markoulakis