History of Tapestries Through The Ages

Paris was the leading producer of tapestries until the Hundred Year's War. Due to the war and plundering of towns, tapestry makers traveled north, eventually residing in Flanders, which became the new tapestry capital. These artisans first wove biblical scenes and later began to weave mythological scenes.

The Valley de Loire in France became a predominant place for tapestry craftsmen near the end of the 15th Century. This area was a very appropriate place for tapestry production considering many chateaux were built by royalty. Many charming rural scenes with ladies and gentlemen on a background of flowers were produced here.

Toward the end of the Middle Ages, heroic scenes became popular. Royalty commissioned scenes of victorious battles, tournaments and even hunts. Many masterpieces arrived from this era in tapestry production.

The renaissance changed the art of tapestry production dramatically. Tapestry weavers borrowed artistic characteristics from the Italian painters and transformed them to the art of tapestry design. This included the use of strong colors and impressive borders.

In 1660 the famous royal mill of Les Gobelin was founded. Artists worked in groups according to their talents and skills. This is why many designs are signed by different artists. Beautiful landscapes and peaceful and romantic scenes became favored. This style was at its height under the influence of Boucher. Tapestry growth ended with the start of the French Revolution. Some mills reopened and produced into the 19th Century.

Most of our European tapestries are Jacquard woven on looms designed by Joseph Jacquard (1752-1834). Jacquard looms, now mechanical, increase a weaver's speed dramatically without threatening quality. Hand painted or printed tapestries are produced by silkscreening or printing an image on a piece of woven linen and often have an old, faded look. All of our tapestries are quality pieces designed to bring beauty and elegance to any room's décor.

Many of our traditional tapestries have historical significance and are reproductions of museum pieces giving an owner a piece of history in their home. A tapestry tells a story; and a customer ends up with a quality heirloom that can be passed down to the next generation. Tapestries, Ltd. was created so that tapestries could be available to consumers, not just to museum curators.