What is tapestry?
The word ‘tapestry’ is commonly used to describe various types of textiles; however, it refers to a specific technique used to create an image in woven form.
Tapestries have always been made by hand on looms or frames.
A Brief History
Perfected in Europe in the Middle Ages, tapestries were used for decoration and to display wealth but also to add warmth to castles and churches. Workshops meticulously wove pieces on a large scale, translating from artists’ images and cartoons.
In the 20th century, many artists rediscovered tapestries as a medium and commissioned pieces after their designs, from Matisse and Picasso, to Miró and Léger.
How are tapestries made?
Unlike cloth weaving, where both the vertical (warp) and horizontal threads (weft) are showing, tapestry is weft-faced which means the warp threads are hidden. The warp forms the underlying framework, while the image is built up line by line, using weft threads.
Traditionally, wool is used for the weft, although cotton, linen and silk can be added for varying effects. The weft is threaded through the individual warp strands by hand which is a time-consuming process.
Tapestries can be made on large vertical or horizontal looms but also on upright frames that are either freestanding or clamped to a table.
Tapestry today
Contemporary tapestry is a vibrant art form and weavers today use a variety of materials and styles. Just like on a canvas, anything is possible and the only restriction to the dimensions for handwoven tapestries is the size of the weaver’s studio.
There are only a few commercial studios left in Europe today, where large scale tapestries are woven. However, there is a growing community of weavers working independently in their own studios.
A number of exhibitions focus solely on tapestry and this art form features increasingly in fine art and mixed media exhibitions.
Tapestries are still commissioned for private homes as well as public spaces to add colour and interest and sometimes even to improve acoustics.