Tapestries, Paperback

An introduction to the beautiful history of tapestries and how they were made, from medieval times to the modern day.

Tapestries have been an enigmatic form of artwork for hundreds of years, with the intricate symbolism of their woven narratives still fascinating viewers today. Unicorns and fantastic beasts rub shoulders with well-heeled aristocrats; famous biblical and saintly stories are played out; allegorical figures, gods and goddesses recline in classical landscapes; and the arms and military achievements of wealthy patrons are depicted in sparkling glory. However, far from being an outdated craft, tapestries continue to be woven to this day, both by talented amateurs in their homes and by highly skilled artisans in studios and workshops around the world. In this beautiful illustrated introduction to the history of tapestries, Rosita Sheen reveals the fascinating story of these masterpieces, exploring their conception, manufacture, and symbolism right up to the present day.

An ex-teacher, Rosita Sheen taught history for thirteen years but has always been interested in old textiles, especially tapestries. She is a spinner and weaver who is constantly amazed at the skill of previous generations in producing these stunning works with relatively simple looms and thread. Rosita lives in the UK.