A Significant Account Of Tapestries

Countries like England encouraged the establishmenttapestry was adequate for normal use in both country
of tapestry factories in different areas. Few of theseand town.
countries have produced some of the finest tapestries,Like all woolen fabrics, a common enemy, the moth,
which have survived for long periods establishing theirdamages tapestry. Apart from this, its size and weight
mastery in the world of tapestries.often lead to its deterioration over a period of time.
One may assume that tapestry has been woven inThe effects of the humidity, sun and heat and smoke
England since early days; a Royal decree of 1364 talksfrom fires tend to destroy the beauty of the tapestry.
about the corporation of Tapissers, yet nothing aboutIt is possible to do patch work, but this is expensive as
their work has been revealed. Some definite Englishthere are very few experts who can do justice to
style surviving pieces date back to about 1580 andsuch work.
1600. The pieces were made in looms put up inMost tapestries were complete with a border by the
Barcheston, Warwickshire, by William Sheldon. Certaintime they left the factory. They varied in pattern from
fragments of tapestry maps of English counties, andone factory to another and over the years, in the way
other panels, remain till date proving that Sheldonof a picture frame. With time, these borders have at
indeed sponsored these works of art.times become mutilated or replaced; the present
The factory started at Mortlake in 1620 was alsocollector should know that the original border greatly
important. Under the patronage of Charles I (both asreflects the value of the panel by its presence.
Prince of Wales and as King), and run successfully tillMoths, action of the sun, heat and damp air may
the Civil War, which resulted in a decline in orders.damage Tapestries and smolder from fire tends to
From 1670 onwards little work was done at Mortlake,destroy the old fabric and getting it repaired it is costly.
and the factory shifted to Soho, London, where workAttentive care is the best method of preservation. You
continued throughout the first part of the eighteenthcan get some tips on the embroidery, lace, and
century. Though, the later outcome was not astapestry itself from books.
outstanding in quality as the earlier ones. Mortlake