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. 

Godfrey Bazalgette writes extensively on art, history and 
tapestries & textiles. He is one of the founding partners of 
The Tapestry House, purveyors of fine quality tapestries 
& wall hangings. http://www.thetapestryhouse.com/