Historical Wall Tapestries

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. 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 décor
options.

Now, despite their ancient origins, many people are again looking
towards 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.