The first tapestries, created from woven textiles, were made in the Middle Ages. The most common definition of a tapestry describes it as a thick fabric into which colored threads are integrated in order to form intricate designs. The specific labor involved in making a tapestry distinguishes it quite a bit from any type of embroidery.
Back in the middle ages tapestries were used to cover windows and doors for insulation, as well as decoration. They were also used as canopies above beds to keep anything from the roof from dropping into the bed. Sometimes the canopy was large enough to not only cover the top of the bed, but the sides too, providing privacy.
Those who could afford to live in mansions and castles used tapestries in order to separate some of the larger rooms into smaller living areas. Many were created as testaments to Bible histories and victorious battles. Very often, kings and others carried tapestries on their journeys in order to advertise their wealth. The exquisite and intricate designs woven into them made them highly sought after as works of art.
There was an extensive amount of work that had to be put into making a tapestry. To begin with, an artist would have to paint the original design, which was called a cartoon. The next step would involve gathering the proper plants needed to dye threads in the colors needed. Once the threads were dry, the tapestry was woven together by a team of weavers, a project that often took years to complete depending on the size of the finished product. Some were an incredible 20 foot by 80 foot. The art of weaving was a craft handed down from generation to generation.
Some of the most common tapestries portrayed scenes of landscapes, hunting and fishing expeditions, and battles. There were even kings who had artists on the battlefield with them so that the trip could be captured and later put on a tapestry. As designs became more and more intricate, some tapestries would end up having over 300 different colors on them, looking much more like an oil painting.
The best tapestries were produced in Paris until 1337. During the Hundred Years' War (1337 - 1453) weavers had to flee from Paris and many of the beautiful tapestries were damaged or lost. After things calmed down from the war, the hand woven tapestry business continued flourishing in France until 1789, when the French Revolution broke out. During the French Revolution (1789 - 1799) many tapestries were burned to take the gold and silver threads used in many of these fine woven goods.
In 1801, however, everything changed. Joseph Jacquard, a weaver of silk, invented the Jacquard loom, which made use of punch cards in order to improve the functionality of the textile loom. The cards made the weaving process somewhat automated, and even unskilled weavers were able to produce some of the most exquisite patterns ever seen. Some skill was needed in order to run the loom efficiently, but there was no longer a need for months and months of tedious hand work to be done. Along with this semi-automation came the ability to offer less expensive tapestries to an ever widening market.
Our museums from around the world house these famous works-of-art of the hand-woven tapestry wall hangings. It is believed the Medieval tapestries are the largest group on display, today. The price for a hand-woven tapestry wall hanging is immense. There is still much work involved in making these fine woven goods with the Jacquard loom, however the time involved is not nearly what it once was and therefore making them quite affordable.
For inventing such a labor saving device, Joseph Jacquard should be applauded. His invention let weavers continue to make beautiful tapestries, but at a price that could be afforded by a greater portion of the population. These lower prices are letting the average person be able to display these fine works in their homes and enjoy something once reserved for only the rich.
Back in the middle ages tapestries were used to cover windows and doors for insulation, as well as decoration. They were also used as canopies above beds to keep anything from the roof from dropping into the bed. Sometimes the canopy was large enough to not only cover the top of the bed, but the sides too, providing privacy.
Those who could afford to live in mansions and castles used tapestries in order to separate some of the larger rooms into smaller living areas. Many were created as testaments to Bible histories and victorious battles. Very often, kings and others carried tapestries on their journeys in order to advertise their wealth. The exquisite and intricate designs woven into them made them highly sought after as works of art.
There was an extensive amount of work that had to be put into making a tapestry. To begin with, an artist would have to paint the original design, which was called a cartoon. The next step would involve gathering the proper plants needed to dye threads in the colors needed. Once the threads were dry, the tapestry was woven together by a team of weavers, a project that often took years to complete depending on the size of the finished product. Some were an incredible 20 foot by 80 foot. The art of weaving was a craft handed down from generation to generation.
Some of the most common tapestries portrayed scenes of landscapes, hunting and fishing expeditions, and battles. There were even kings who had artists on the battlefield with them so that the trip could be captured and later put on a tapestry. As designs became more and more intricate, some tapestries would end up having over 300 different colors on them, looking much more like an oil painting.
The best tapestries were produced in Paris until 1337. During the Hundred Years' War (1337 - 1453) weavers had to flee from Paris and many of the beautiful tapestries were damaged or lost. After things calmed down from the war, the hand woven tapestry business continued flourishing in France until 1789, when the French Revolution broke out. During the French Revolution (1789 - 1799) many tapestries were burned to take the gold and silver threads used in many of these fine woven goods.
In 1801, however, everything changed. Joseph Jacquard, a weaver of silk, invented the Jacquard loom, which made use of punch cards in order to improve the functionality of the textile loom. The cards made the weaving process somewhat automated, and even unskilled weavers were able to produce some of the most exquisite patterns ever seen. Some skill was needed in order to run the loom efficiently, but there was no longer a need for months and months of tedious hand work to be done. Along with this semi-automation came the ability to offer less expensive tapestries to an ever widening market.
Our museums from around the world house these famous works-of-art of the hand-woven tapestry wall hangings. It is believed the Medieval tapestries are the largest group on display, today. The price for a hand-woven tapestry wall hanging is immense. There is still much work involved in making these fine woven goods with the Jacquard loom, however the time involved is not nearly what it once was and therefore making them quite affordable.
For inventing such a labor saving device, Joseph Jacquard should be applauded. His invention let weavers continue to make beautiful tapestries, but at a price that could be afforded by a greater portion of the population. These lower prices are letting the average person be able to display these fine works in their homes and enjoy something once reserved for only the rich.
About the Author:
A Jacquard Woven Tapestry was an instant hit, as this punch card loom made fast work for the weavers in the European wall Tapestries, as well as far more affordable.
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