Since antiquity people have used textiles for all range of
purposes. From blankets for warmth, to elaborate woven fabrics
for commerce, they have been at the very center of human life.
The need for textiles, combined with our desire to enhance the
world around us, has given rise to a huge range of fabric based
art, everything from basic colored cloth to complex woven
textiles.
target="_blank">Tapestries and wall hangings have long been
one of the most accomplished forms of this art, having a history
dating back millennia, and artists from almost all cultures have
contributed some form of textile wall art.
Recently tapestries and wall hangings have enjoyed a rise in
interest, with many people looking beyond traditional options
for wall decor. The tactile nature of tapestries, combined with
their rich history, has made them once again a choice for the
well-informed home improver.
Traditional tapestry designs
Although there is an increasing amount of contemporary art
available as tapestries, it is the traditional designs from the
past that are the most popular. Since tapestries have enjoyed a
long history these can include anything from Gothic wall
hangings, to French Baroque and Rococo works from the 17th and
18th centuries, to more recent 19th century William Morris and
Pre-Raphaelite art.
The main appeal of these impressive works is their connection
with history. The range of designs and themes is vast and
include subject matter as diverse as the rise and fall of
nations, the importance of art movements at different times, and
the prominence of individual artists and groups. Most appealing
is that each has its own claim to history. This combination of
artistic excellence and history writ large is proving
irresistible to many art lovers who yearn for more depth in
their home decor choices.
There are many famous tapestries from the past. In particular
the middle ages took wall tapestries from the domain of
practical decor into the realms of art. Boasting famous works
like the Bayeux Tapestry and the Lady and the Unicorn series,
the medieval era is seen by many as the golden age of tapestry
art. More importantly for the first time we see tapestry wall
hangings widely appreciated as works of art, rather than just
practical pieces of home furnishing.
A growing popularity
Reproductions of these famous works are proving very popular
with modern audiences. Given the historical importance of these
works of art some of the current productions available are
fastidious copies of the originals. The very best of these
capture the drama and virtuosity of historical art, perfectly
blending it with modern weaving methods. The end result is often
very faithful to the original artists' vision, with all the
durability and appeal of modern fabrics.
From the vivid colors of medieval tapestries, to the exoticism
of Eastern schools of weaving, traditional tapestry designs
often surprise modern art lovers with their attention to detail,
their ability to capture emotion and their exploration of
timeless themes such as love and romance.
An enduring allure
Because of this these centuries-old designs are enjoying a
renewed prominence and are once again making their way into the
homes of taste conscious art lovers. Every tapestry, because of
the individuality of the weaving process, is a unique work of
art unlike any other. In a world driven by mass production art
and home decor enthusiasts are drawn to the uniqueness of wall
tapestries as an antidote to the monotony of many other d?cor
options.
Now, despite their ancient origins, many people are again
looking towards
target="_blank">historical tapestries and wall hangings as
an answer to their modern home decor aspirations. With an ever
growing range of options for shoppers the choice has never been
better.
Copyright ? The Tapestry House, all rights reserved.
About the author:
Writing extensively on art and history, Godfrey Bazalgette is
one of the founding partners of The Tapestry House, purveyors of
fine quality
tapestries and wall hangings.
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