tapestries

A tapestry is a form of textile art produced by weaving on a loom, in which the weft threads are densely packed to create the image. The design is created on the front and the back is typically unfinished. Tapestries are designed as wall hangings, though they may also serve as room dividers or upholstery.

Most tapestries are woven from wool, with silk or metallic threads used for highlights. The weaver follows a pre-drawn cartoon, or design drawing, to guide the placement of thousands of colored wefts. The final piece is produced in a workshop, often by teams of weavers under a master designer.

Tapestry has a long history in many cultures, but medieval and early modern Europe gave rise to large, narrative sets that coated walls of churches and royal residences. Major centers included Flanders and Arras in the Low Countries, Paris workshops, and later Aubusson in France. The Gobelins and Beauvais manufactories produced state commissions.

Subject matter ranges from biblical scenes and myths to hunting, courtly life, or geometric patterns. Materials include wool as a base; silk and linen may be used for dyes and accents, with gold and silver threads in some examples. Dyes were historically natural, producing a broad palette.

Today, tapestry remains a living art form, valued for its craftsmanship and historical value. Conserving tapestries requires climate control, careful handling, and professional restoration. Some 20th- and 21st-century artists also produce contemporary woven works that extend traditional techniques into new contexts.