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tapestry, ancient art of tapestry, embroidery, history of tapestry

Above: From the Bayeux Tapestry

THE ANCIENT ART OF TAPESTRY

Woven tapestry art has told stories of the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, Medieval and the Renaissance period together with the Old and New Testament. It is one of the most effective forms of literary expression the world has ever known.

Hand-woven tapestry art is believed to have decorated affluent homes and buildings of the Ancient Greeks. Moreover, it is thought that tapestry art covered the walls of the Parthenon. During the Middle Ages, France was considered the most important producer of tapestry before tapestry craftsmen moved towards Flanders (Holland & Belgium).

A true tapestry is one that is woven. Today, as in the Middle Ages, hand-made tapestry weavers use two basic types of looms – a high warp and a low warp. Warp yarns are still stretched between two rollers. The low warp loom is worked in a horizontal position and the weaver sits over the tapestry piece. As the work is completed, the tapestry is rolled toward the weaver.

Textile art is created by modern contemporary tapestry artists worldwide for large interior space requirements. Architects and homeowners alike demand the unique textile art. As result, contemporary tapestry art can be found in multiple piece displays or massive single piece art forms throughout many buildings in Western and Pacific Rim Countries.

True tapestry art is still hand-woven usually made of wool (sometimes including gold or other precious metals).Canvas work, however, is embroidery done with a needle and thread of wool or silk on an existing cotton or canvas base. Today, in canvas work, the structure is already there in the form of linen, cotton or canvas base and the picture added to it.

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