Bayeux Tapestry, William the Conqueror

Many major tapestry works-of-art are made and currently on display in Paris, France, and are considered to be true treasures of the world and a known as French tapestries. This is not surprising at all; Paris has been own to be one of the world's major art centers in the world.

Paris is home to some of the world's most renowned artists, may it be in literary or visual arts, including Vincent Van Gogh and Marcel Duchamp, among others. It is also home to the world's most renowned museums, including the museums of Pablo Picasso and Gustave Moreau. For the French to claim that they are creating the world's most extravagant tapestry pieces, is justified.

It is also no surprise that the Bayeux Tapestry is first connected to France. Perhaps the most elaborate piece of tapestry in existence, it is currently displayed in Normandy, France. The Bayeux Tapestry was first said to be commissioned by Queen Matilda as a gift to William the Conqueror, although this story is most likely a romantic fiction rather than a historical fact.

Another French royalty commissioned for the creation of another French wall hanging masterpiece. Commissioned by Queen Anne of Brittany as gift for King Charles VIII of France, "The Hunt of the Unicorn" is another elaborate piece illustrating the hunt for the mythical unicorn.

Another unicorn-themed tapestry, "The Lady and the Unicorn" is currently displayed in France. Of unknown origin is the Valios Tapestry, a collection of eight tapestries depicting festivities and celebrations in France - specifically, the Court of France - during the 16th century.

Although illustrating French festivities, it was probably created in the Southern Netherlands (or the Spanish Netherlands). It is assumed to be commissioned by the Queen Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henry II.

Most of the people in the Valoid Tapestry are members of the royal family of France. The events depicted in this wall hanging are based on the queen's "magnificences", or Catherine de Medici's lavish entertainment festivals.

Perhaps the reason for the French's prominence in the art of tapestry-making is the Gobelin's, a family who created a firm in Paris who made tapestry during the 16th century. First a family of dyers, they expanded their business and began creating tapestry for various government institutions in France.

They also supplied Louis XIV with various pieces of tapestries as well as the other monarch that succeeded him. Some of the works from the Gobelin Manufactory can be seen on display in various French museums today, including the actual Gobelin workshop, which is still open to tourists for tours.

Visit a trusted source to see many popular works-of-art including William the Conqueror, Bayeux Tapestry. There are 76 different tapestries from the Bayeux Tapestry Collection, showing the events leading up to The Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the battle itself. Educational and handsome masterpieces.

Use Wall Tapestries to Transform an Ordinary Room Into One With Unique Style

Since their existence, wall tapestries have been used to decorate the interior walls of many different buildings including churches, government buildings, castles and homes. Tapestries have a very unique and historical air about them. It's almost as if each tapestry hides a secret story within its intricate woven design.

Wall tapestries are very durable, and come from various cultural backgrounds including Asian, Italian, French, and Belgian. Aside from the cultural aspect, tapestries are available in different textures, as well as different designs including architecture, nature (trees, flowers), fantasy (unicorns, dragons, fairies), animals, medieval (castles, knights), royal crests, world map, art and modern art, as well as religious designs.

Since there are so many designs to choose from, you can literally find a wall tapestry to suit your personal taste or compliment any theme you may have in a room.

Why add wall tapestries as part of a room's décor? A wall tapestry provides your home with a sense of history and tradition. It can make any living space visually look larger than it is. A tapestry blends color and character and captures the attention of the eye. In addition, tapestries are an excellent conversation piece.

If you have decided to add a wall tapestry to a room in your home, you may be wondering how to choose a tapestry. Although the design is important when selecting a tapestry, texture is important as well.

Chenille is the most popular texture because it is extremely versatile material that is both flexible and soft. A chenille tapestry is elegant and warm, and is suitable to just about any type of décor, regardless if it is modern, chic, eclectic, or rustic.

Furthermore, chenille is a common fabric that is used to make throw pillows, window treatments and throw blankets. Therefore, you can add this texture in other parts of the décor in your room to link the tapestry with the other elements.

In addition to the design and texture, the size and colors of the tapestry matter. The reason is because where you hang the tapestry will determine the size and style best suited to the space.

For instance, if you would like to make a room look larger, the best type of tapestry is one that is horizontal which will help make the room appear wider. Moreover, a tapestry with vibrant colors, or one that depicts a scene with an open door or window helps to make a room look less cramped.

You should also only use one tapestry in a small room, as more than one can shrink the room by making it look too busy. On the other hand, if you wish to make a large space look smaller, hang a row of different sized tapestries in various designs and colors.

If you are looking for wall art that is a cut above the average, wall tapestries could very well be what you've been looking for. Discover the many fantastic tapestries available online and in local art and department stores, and infuse a little romance and history into the rooms of your home.

Jessica Ackerman writes for Wall Décor and Home Accents - check for specials on decorative metal wall art & decorative home décor accents.

Also make sure to read this important article on baby nursery decorating.

The Ladies of Camelot Medieval Tapestry

Men are the usual images present in medieval tapestry, which makes the tapestry "The Ladies in Camelot" a refreshing break from all the depictions of battles and knights. Popular medieval tapestries are depictions of knights and their quests and their battles.

Two popular tapestry series revolve on this theme, namely "The Hunt of the Unicorn" and the William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones creation, the Holy Grail tapestry. The women in the backdrop of the journeys and the battles of the knights, however, are mostly overlooked.

"The Ladies in Camelot", an elegant display of the beauty of the Arthurian legend is just a manifestation and a proof the women and ladies in Camelot are a major presence and play an important role in medieval tapestries.

Women figured largely on several medieval tapestries. It is important to note that while there were no women in the popular work, "The Hunt of the Unicorn", the presence of a maiden or a virgin figured largely in various interpretations of this piece. According to various pagan interpretations, this series alludes to the doomed love affair of two medieval lovers.

In medieval tapestries figuring of King Arthur, the presence of the ladies of Camelot can be boldly noted. These are perhaps one of the more noted depictions of women in medieval tapestry, since most of the known medieval tapestry pieces are European landscapes, knights, and battles.

The image of Guinevere is among the most prominent in these Arthurian tapestries and of the ladies of Camelot. Guinevere was King Arthur's queen consort and was famous for her affair with Sir Lancelot, Arthur's chief knight. Their affair is the cause of King Arthur's downfall, although the king did not realize the affair for some time.

The tapestry "The Ladies of Camelot" shows Guinevere in the woods with other women of Camelot. It is an elaborate piece that shows the beauty of the Arthurian legend, emphasizing the color and intrigue present in the story.

A popular Morris tapestry piece is "Queen Guinevere". Morris is responsible for several Arthurian tapestries in existence today. In fact, Arthurian legends were one of the staples in his company, Morris & Co, which is responsible for resurrecting the interest of the people in medieval tapestry.

Guinevere and the ladies of Camelot are present in several Arthurian tapestries. In two tapestries in the series-Arming and Departure for the Quest and Departure from Camelot the women of Camelot, including Guinevere, can be seen helping the knights.

In another popular tapestry, King Arthur, the king, holding his sword Excalibur with his shield Prydwen laid in from of him, was with Sir Lancelot and Guinevere. Other King Arthur tapestry has the presence of the ladies of Camelot and Guinevere, mostly those that concerns the events happening in the castle itself, such as The King's Court, The Royal Joust, and The Tournament at Camelot.

The Medieval Tapestry, The Ladies of Camelot is woven in France and does make a beautiful statement in wall decor for fine woven goods. Other exciting days of romance and glory come from the educational and fun, Medieval Tapestry Collection.

Wall Tapestry Ideas to Spruce Up Your Home Decor

To create a dramatic, elegant look and feel in your home, you'll need deep, rich colors with stimulating artistic designs. One way to achieve this look is to add wall tapestries. A tapestry is a fabric of multiple colors and designs, which are woven upon a warp by hand.

The finished tapestry can be used as a furniture throw or covering, a wall hanging, or for other adorning purposes.

Wall hangings can be used to accent any room. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can use a wall tapestry to decorate a small wall in a hallway or as the center decor piece of a large room. Wall tapestries come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can easily find a pattern to match your current paint colors, wallpaper, flooring or carpet, and furnishings in any room.

Types of Wall Tapestries

Wall tapestries reflect many themes so you can easily find one to fit your style. If you prefer medieval decor, there are plenty of medieval tapestry patterns to choose from, including 11th century Bayeux, unicorns, King Arthur, Godfrey de Bouillon, Milani, Vendanges, and many others.

For a religious decor theme, some of the more popular wall hanging themes include Angel of Light, Christ, Be not afraid, Annunciation, The Last Supper, Madonna, The 23rd Psalm, Vierge Roc, etc. There are also Belgian and European wall tapestry themes, William Morris tapestries, and a variety of Eastern and Oriental creations.

If you prefer a more general home decor, try wall tapestries with animal and wildlife themes, floral patterns, nautical artwork, landscapes, or other general themes. World map tapestries are also popular for those who love to travel (or often dream of traveling) to foreign lands, or for anyone interested in world history and geography.

Wall Tapestry Decor Tips

Choose wall tapestries that will work well with your other decor accessories. Tapestries can be added near a lamp and table or on a wall beside a floor lamp. They also fit beautifully between a couple of wall sconces, which can be used to light up the tapestry and bring out its colors and designs.

For the kitchen, look for a wall tapestry to fit with your kitchen colors. Bright floral and fruit patterns work well in most kitchens. For the bathroom, hang a tapestry above a decorated shelf or near a mirror.

Tapestries with deep, rich colors usually look great in bath decor as well as those with scenic paintings such as country or farm scenes. Animal wall hangings look great in the bath or kitchen.

In the bedroom, hang a calming wall tapestry above your headboard or above a dresser. Accent the tapestry with wall flowers or figurine shelves. Tapestries also look great above fireplaces or in any dining area. Other accessories to consider along with tapestries are statues, rugs, lamps or chandeliers, silk flowers, paintings, family portraits, and wall fountains.

Wall tapestries can be used to add dramatic affect to any room's decor. Tapestries also work well to decorate any business office, restaurant, hotel room, or hospital rooms and waiting areas. Go online today to browse all the colors and themes available to find an affordable wall tapestry for your home or business.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Learn more about Wall Tapestry Ideas for Home Decor.

Landscape Wall Tapestries - 5 Ways They Transform Your Home Decor

One of the greatest things about adding tapestries to your home, is that they take you to places like few other art forms can. Unlike paintings, tapestries have a presence about them due to the fact that they possess texture and depth, and because of the way they are woven.

This is especially so when it comes to landscape or scenery wall tapestries. For this reason, and several more, landscape tapestries have become and remained popular among art lovers and homemakers alike.

How do these tapestries transform a room or home when used as wall decor? Let's find out right now.

1 - Their ability to capture the attention

One of the great things about landscape tapestries as wall decor is that they capture the attention of visitors to your home. Paintings in homes and public places are quite common these days, and visitors often just tune them out.

But the final woven tapestry commands attention, not only for its subject matter but for its unique sense of 'presence'. The added depth and 'presence' that's only present in tapestries is impressive and can only be understood once you have experienced one before your eyes.

2 - The types of scenes they can portray

There are some amazing subject matter that you can have in your home portrayed through these tapestries. From beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenes to pristine lakes and stunning gardens, landscape tapestries transport you in time and space.

From the comfort of your own home you can be whisked away to a lakeside Italian scene, a fox hunt through the English countryside, or the lush gardens of the great castles in Versailles.

3 - A sense of perspective they give to your room or home

When you have a landscape scene adorning your wall, the entire room is transformed. This is because you and your visitor now see a scene which adds perspective to your room, and makes your entire room feel more expansive than it was before.

There is a sense of space created within the room itself, and the feeling this wall art gives is imparted to the entire room. If the piece is of a natural scene of a forest or lake for example, the feeling this gives is one of serenity.

4 - Their ability to suit any sized room

Whether you have a small room which needs some decorating or a large room which requires a large piece of art to fill a wall, then a landscape wall tapestry will fill this role nicely.

Wall tapestries come in a range of sizes to suit any area which needs to be decorated. So if you need a small scene of the forest woods or the large palatial grounds of Louis XIV, then there's a tapestry scene that will suit this role.

5 - They're affordable art

When you're in front of the tapestry, you'll see that the artistry of such greats as Francois Boucher and other great landscape painters, are captured elegantly in these woven works.

While the originals can be found in the finest museums in the world, faithful reproductions are very affordable. If you like wall art, then wall tapestry hangings are a superb way to show your sense of art and artistry as well.

So there you have it.

You now know the 5 reasons why so many people, from art lovers to homemakers, have used landscape tapestries to decorate a room, be it small or large. Wall art tapestries have unique properties which make them enduring classics in wall decor. You can use them as art forms to express your love of art, and to share your love of art with your guests as well.

Looking for wall decor? Then see this wide range of wall tapestry art that will transform any home. Tom Matherson writes for Worldwide Tapestries where you'll find a range of landscape wall tapestry art to suit any home.

Exquisite Tapestries Made From Broadloom Carpet

We all know that tapestries are rich in history, but did you know that tapestries date back as far as 3rd century BC in Greece? This form of textile art has a modern counterpart in the form of Carpet Sculpture. With recent advances in technology carpet sculpture has emerged as an attractive option for tapestry collectors and admirers.

Unlike woven tapestries, the medium of a carpet sculptor is broadloom carpet. The differences between the two methods are akin to a comparison between a flat two-dimensional plane and a depth oriented three-dimensional plane.

The common two dimensional tapestries are produced on vertical looms, whereas the three dimensional broadloom tapestries are produced through a sophisticated inlay process on horizontal table-top surfaces.

The 3-D effect is only established when the details of the tapestry are carved and beveled by a well trained carpet sculptor who uses a special high speed carving tool. This carving style can reflect simple clean lines or more advanced bas-relief like effects.

There are numerous carpet styles that can be integrated into a broadloom tapestry, these range from short dense pile heights to the thicker plush styles. Furthermore the style can have a loop element or even a patterned design. Often a tapestry will reflect a few broadloom styles within the whole composition.

This versatility in design makes the broadloom tapestry an attractive choice for wall hangings as corporate art pieces or in residential interiors. They are particularly suitable for large scale applications.

The scaled up versions can be installed in panel sections that are seamed together invisibly. Smaller Tapestries can be professionally mounted and hung like a traditional tapestry.

Inspirations in tapestry designs can originate with a photograph, a style of art, or a unique theme like horse racing, golfing, or a landscape setting. They can even reflect a story or a family history.

In wrapping up this article, we have seen a fascinating glimpse into the evolving world of modern textile art. Broadloom tapestries have taken on a new 3-dimensional look that captures the attention of art enthusiasts and expresses a depth never before seen in tapestry making.

Russell Webb, your friendly expert Custom Carpet Maker. If you're ready to discover the creative and exciting world of custom carpet sculpture, and have fun doing it, then why not request more information at http://www.custom-area-rugs.com/services.htm

Making an Impact With Tapestry Art

Warmth and comfort as well as a dramatic art statement can be added to a modern home with the clever use of tapestry. Textile art has been popular in American homes for centuries and is enjoying an increased popularity with the various styles and designs available.

During the 17th and late 19th century tapestries were the height of fashion in American homes as the new wealthy sought to emulate the aspirations of the Mother country. British fashions were imported as inspiration was transported across the seas to America and fashionable homes.

Splendid tapestries imported from Europe adorned many American homes in the 17th and 19th century. Elaborate designs were more often than not found in a parlour than in the bedroom and were very much on display.

Often a European made tapestry was among the most valued items listed in a householder's possession. America's industrial revolution and urbanisation of the cities gave rise to unprecedented wealth among the elite. These included the Vanderbilts and Astors. European style homes were inspired by and modelled on palaces in the Mother country.

The new American "Royalty" liked nothing more than to display their newly acquired wealth which included the resurrection of centuries old interior fashion design. George Washington Vanderbilt's Biltmore was such a house, having two magnificent eighteenth tapestries of Vulcan and Venus as a focal feature.

At Vanderbilt Mansion the bedroom of Frederick Vanderbilt was panelled with Circassian walnut and decorated with 17th century Flemish tapestry in an echo of European aristocratic fashion.

The work of William Morris, though short lived, proved very popular as the designs of the Arts and Crafts Movement swept across both sides of the Atlantic. These very distinctive patterns and designs furnished many homes and inspired new interest in tapestry art, although this turned out to be a short lived fashion with very little alternative innovative designs appearing for several decades.

The prospect of large and unbroken walls in homes with the development of rather austere furniture saw resurgence in popularity for tapestry art in the mid 20th century. The flexible charm of tapestry art was seen as a real alternative too a framed painting, particularly where people were more mobile than before. A well selected tapestry could furnish and add warmth to a home, yet was flexible enough to be rolled up and moved where necessary.

Today many people in search of inspiration and something different for their interior design choose a tapestry as a wall hanging. The quality and detail offer a unique feature to complement any wall and the texture brings a fresh perspective to many well known artistic forms such as the medieval tapestry range.

Tapestry may not have grown in a design context in America but the availability of different styles and designs means that a prospective buyer looking to add a special feature to the home has never had more choice. It is now very easy to be creative and style a room using exquisite pieces of wall art.

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Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on home decor and tapestry & textile art. She divides her time between family and The Tapestry House

Interior Design - Do the Interior Design For Your Home by Using Tapestries and Other Accessories

Home interior decorating is all about smartening up the interior environment of a room to make it attractive and stylish. Interior design of a home reflects the tastes and style statements of the occupants.

The interior design of a room can be significantly enhanced and customized to make it compatible with the preferences of the occupants. There are countless accessories and home decorating ideas which can significantly alter the way your home looks.

One such accessory is Art tapestry. An art tapestry can enliven the corners of your room with its grandeur and splendour. Its sheer presence in a room can change the interior environment and brighten up the mood of the occupants the moment they enter.

That's why many interior design professionals extensively use these art tapestries to enhance the look of a home. The other advantage of using art tapestries is its low cost. In a limited budget, you can add beauty and class to your drawing or bed rooms.

Art tapestries are hand woven or machine made fabrics which are adorned with images and paintings. The images portray the social events or life styles of our ancestors. Therefore, you can find images of castles, historical monuments, lakes, landscapes and hunting scenes on these artefacts.

The tapestries are deftly crafted and the skilled craftsmanship can mesmerize anybody. The tapestries are a delight for art connoisseurs. We, at tapestries-tapestry.com, can help you do the interior design of your home in great style by providing you with rare and authentic tapestries.

The tapestries can be used as wall hangings or cushion covers in a room. There are also tapestry hand bags available which are great as showpiece items. And there are great many varieties of tapestries available to meet the preference and requirements of every homeowner.

You can choose from a comprehensive collection of Belgian tapestries, Medieval tapestries, Chenille tapestries, European tapestries, Italian tapestries, Flanders tapestries, William Morris Tapestries and Oriental tapestries. The tapestries have truly become great accessories for home decorating art.

However it is very important to buy original tapestries to experience its beauty. And for that you need a reliable and experienced supplier who can also advice you on home decorating art. Our online shop is known for supplying authentic art tapestries at competitive prices. So to book orders or for expert advice on home interior decorating please click at tapestries-tapestry.com.

Jude is a well known author who writes on topics related with Interior Design, Home decor and Tapestries Wall Hanging.

Creating a Country Cottage Look For Your Home Decor

Let's look at a few things that you could do to really have the most beautiful decor!

The first thing to look at is the walls. If you want cottage style walls then you will see that they are normally done in soft, comforting colors like white, cream, light blue or sage. Very soft pink or yellow works well too and can blend with many different colors.

Floral or small print wallpaper in soft colors follows with the theme. Just the right tapestry wall hanging can really put the room together with the look you're really going for.

The next thing to look at is the floors. Cottage style floors are usually simple, informal and imperfect. Light wood floors look perfect with scattered area rugs to add color. Painted wood floors that blend well with walls work well for that cottage "used" look.

Light fixtures will go a long way to really creating the perfect country cottage feel to it. Look for Bean pot lamps in different colors keep with the informal look of the cottage style. Glass lamps, gold or nickel or painted ceramic also do well. Lamp shades can be easily made by gluing left-over fabric from your throw pillows or curtains over a plain shade. Or try hanging crystal chandelier pendants from the bottom of the shade.

Your kitchen cabinets should be painted with either White, cream or sage. Sometimes a red, dark blue or green can give vibrant color but still work well with the cottage look. Taking off the doors on the dish cabinets is very popular so you can show off your dishes. Glass inserts are also in line with the cottage look.

The great thing about cottage style is the older and more loved a piece of furniture is the better it fits in. Furniture is usually painted pieces in white, cream or sage colors but any color that blends with your decor will work well. The function of the furniture can change around too. A bench can make a great coffee table or a kitchen table can serve as a desk. Couches and chairs should be puffy with lots of throw pillows.

Window dressings should be light and airy to follow along with the soft cottage style. Try curtain rods with decorative finals to add a touch of distinction. Cotton floral or stripe curtains that blend with your decor will keep things light.

Lace curtains or sheers are also an option. A simple valance works well too and for privacy you can have a pull-down shade that hides during the day. Painted shutters are also a nice option for kitchen or living room windows. They give the room the ultimate cottage look.

When considering the wall decor, you might find the Lapin Rabbits Tapestry as a perfect fit. Scattering area rugs on the hardwood floors is the great compliment that makes the room warm and inviting. What about adding the sheepskin wool rugs, as one cozy idea?

Decorating Your Home With Antique Tapestry

If you are interested in a unique wall design for a room in your home, you should consider antique tapestry. This rich form or textile art can add a wonderful design and character to your home. You can adorn a single wall, or all four of your walls with beautiful antique tapestry.

The wonderful thing about tapestry is that it is portable. If you want to redecorate later on, you can easily remove the antique tapestry from your wall and put it on another one. Historically, royalty used tapestry to decorate rooms in their castles. Heavy tapestry was used to help keep the castle rooms warm in the winter time.

Tapestry is the result of creative design that all starts out with a sketch. The ideas for the design of a tapestry are first drawn on a paper or a piece of cardboard. After that, a craftsman or weaver will use the sketch as a guide to create the tapestry. The colorful threads and fabrics are then added to give the design life and style. What wonderful item to display in your home!

When you are choosing a piece of antique tapestry to display in your home, pay attention to the details. Each thread was hand-picked; these threads were all chosen by someone who had a special design in mind. Study the patterns and examine what colors were used to create such a fine piece of art. Tapestries are almost like paintings without the paint.

The furniture in the room should have similar colors to the tapestry, to give the room a put together look. other antique items, like an antique lamp or other antique furniture can give the room an authentic feel. Make sure that other items in the room don't take away from the attractiveness of the antique tapestry.

There are some more modern tapestries available today, but most of these were created in factories. These are still very beautiful and intricately detailed. Even so, handmade tapestry is typically of a higher quality and each piece is unique. The handmade tapestries, particularly the antique ones, are priced much higher than the more modern factory made ones, but the value is truly priceless.

Back in time a tapestry was a symbol of royalty, wealth and status. Why not reflect that type of history in your home? The more appreciation you have for the art of an antique tapestry, the more you will enjoy showing it to visitors. Antique tapestry is sophisticated and debonair.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines. When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend these online stores for pottery, antique tapestry

Industrial Era Art Works

When it comes to deciding how to decorate your home, you may have considered wall art, but are not sure just how you want to bring them into play with your decor.

If you have high-end art taste, the best option is to look to the genius of William Morris from the industrial era. These works are fine art and beautiful skill woven into each design. Additionally, there are a so many of his creations that you will be sure to find one that will suit any decor style or color scheme you have chosen to put into play in your home.

No one can deny that 19th century artist Morris was able to bring any story to life through his artwork. Another fact, beyond denial, is that he chose as his subjects some very epic tales. Consider the quest for the Holy Grail or the story of the Magi. These are just some of the titles that he chose to bring to life through his artistic mastery.

While many think a painting will tell the picture just as well, there is something special about putting these images on your wall in tapestry form. Hiw pieces capture all of the beauty of the artistry as well as adding a soft and lively touch through the use of woven fabric.

While he may have been a man, he had an uncanny ability to capture the spirit of women in his artwork. If you have ever set your eyes on any of the tapestries in his goddess series or Flora or Pomona, you understand what I mean.

This may be why so many people who are looking for a more feminine touch to a home steer towards these works to accomplish that goal. A single of these tapestries on a wall in your home will soften the whole space. In the master bedroom, two or more tapestries are often hung to show this room has the soft yet sensual touches of a woman.

Remember, it's best to hang your tapestries out of direct sunlight, as sun can damage them, but do make sure they are lit properly so they can be appreciated. Tract lighting or targeted lighting should be able to accomplish this.

Want to decorate your home? Then see Tom Matherson's reviews of a great range of art works to decorate your home with style.

The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries: a Medieval Mystery

Full of mystique and beauty, the Lady and the Unicorn series are among the best examples of medieval tapestry in existence. Many interpretations have been put forward through the ages, but there is no definite explanation as to the mystery behind the Lady and the Unicorn.

Dramatic Medieval Art Each tapestry in this striking series shows a unicorn interacting with a woman in some way with the unicorn representing the six human senses in some way. These are sight, smell, touch, sound, taste and love.

Throughout history unicorns have been a mysterious force and have been considered a representation of Christ. Many people believe in unicorns, although their existence has never been proven.

Unicorns are said to possess magical powers, and the Chinese believed the rare sighting of this creature signalled good fortune ahead. The horn is considered particularly magical with an ability to recognise and neutralise poisons with an antidote. During the medieval era the unicorn was linked to Christianity. According to legend it could only be tamed by the scent of a virgin.

The Lady: elegance and tranquillity Unicorns were only attracted to purity and being connected with Christ and his spiritual integrity meant that only a woman with virginal attributes could be linked with the creature. The tapestries have been interpreted in several different ways. One belief is that they are a representation of the Virgin Mary with Christ.

Another suggests the representation of a woman embracing the spiritual world by renouncing the physical one. These tapestries in their own classical and elegant way have widespread appeal, perhaps because of their pure and spiritual nature. People need to feel that which is good and these tapestries give the impression that good will prevail over evil.

The origins of the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries Originally the tapestries were made for a French nobleman, Jean Le Viste during the 15th century. The family coat of arms is visible in the tapestry serves. What is less clear is who designed the work, which family member they were intended for and how they came into existence.

Based on the style of the clothing in the tapestries it is thought the tapestries come from the late fifteenth century, and possibly designed for Jean le Viste himself in celebration of his promotion to the French Court in 1489.

When Le Viste died the tapestries were probably passed on through family connections, although the exact whereabouts was unknown for 200 years. In 1841 they were discovered by a member of the French government who recommended the purchase of this magnificent work of art. Following restorative work and a purchase for the nation the government donated them to the Cluny Museum where they can be seen today.

The mystique of the tapestry The origins of the tapestry remain a mystery to this day, with interpretation based on clues within the art itself. Perhaps the mystique of the work combined with elegance and purity affirms the appeal of these timeless pieces.

Copyright © The Tapestry House, all rights reserved.

Angela Dawson-Field writes on a number of subjects for the Tapestry House including The Lady and the Unicorn. and The Hunt of the Unicorn.

How to Decorate Your Home in Victorian Style

Maybe it was a movie or an old book that got the idea in your head. Perhaps you want to take your home back in time to a more romantic and beautiful point in history. No matter what the reason, if you are ready to embark on the process of decorating your home in Victorian style it is not going to be as difficult of a job as you may think.

Colors of Victorian Style

Before you begin your shopping, you should have a color set that you are looking for to make sure all the portions of the room you are decorating go together. This is vital. Think of Victorian homes where something obviously doesn't fit. You can't? That's because it is not supposed to happen. The theme is supposed to look as if it was painstakingly put together piece by piece, each a perfect fit.

Most of the colors of this period are light. Don't waste time on pigment if you don't have to. Even though they were available in Victorian times, the style was inspired by classical Greek statues and looks, and therefore is very scarce in using colors, at least not bright ones.

If you are creating a late Victorian look, you can use some darker colors as the second half of the Victorian era did see more rich colors in dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries.

Make it Luxurious

Whatever you choose, think luxury. Victorian style is meant to show off that you appreciate the better things in life and that your furnishings are those better things. In today's world that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune, just keep your eyes open for items that while affordable look as if they could be priceless.

Wall Decor

Much of what makes Victorian rooms what they are is the way the walls look. From rich, lush curtains around the windows to wallpaper and wall decor there are plenty of places to show off the posh adoration of Victorian style on your walls.

If choosing wallpaper, look for floral scrolled patterns or even paper that looks like a trellis has been covered with flowers in the room.

If you really want to make a statement, consider a William Morris wall tapestry to add a rich and lush accent to the room that brings that time period to life.

Take your Time

The most important thing to keep in mind as you create a Victorian themed room in your home is to take your time. Many people want to rush renovating jobs to completion. Doing this, you may rashly purchase a piece to 'fill a space' and not find the piece that is perfect for that space.

The creation of a Victorian decorated room in your home should be considered a work in progress. Only put a piece in if you know it is the right piece to put in the space. If not, keep looking until you find the right one. It may take longer to complete the project this way, but once you are done it will be a room you are forever in love with.

Want to give your home a touch of elegance? Then see this range of William Morris tapestries including the Tree Of Life tapestry as elegant wall decor. Tom Matherson writes for Worldwide Tapestries which offers a wide selection of wall art for decorating your home.

Ways To Decorate Your Rent House

Renting a home does not mean that you must leave your personal style behind. There are many ways to bring your own personal flare into your rent house without violating rental contract. No matter how strict the home owner is you can easily make your rent house feel like home. Below you will find a few tips that will make decorating your rental property a breeze.

The easiest way to bring your personal taste into a drab rent house is to choose furniture that reflects your personal taste. Bold or colourful furniture will help to brighten up a bland room and attract attention away from the features of the interior that you are contractually not able to change such as floors and wall colour.

A sturdy piece of furniture is also a great investment. No matter how often you must change rent houses a good piece of furniture will bring familiarity and give the house an instant personal touch. It is important to choose your furniture based on the size of house you expect to be in.

A small, low sofa will look out of place and lost in a large room while a big comfy couch will make a smaller room seem minute.

If you cannot afford new furniture to brighten up your space there are many less expensive ways to make your rent house your own. A colourful tapestry will hide stark white walls and warm up any living space. You could hang paintings or framed pictures to achieve the same effect. If you want a more personal touch, paint your own wall hanging on a large piece of canvas.

One of the largest and most often overlooked spaces in a home is the floor. Finding a nice rug to lie in the largest area of your home will add a personal touch to your rent house that will make it feel warm and inviting. Even if the home you are renting has carpet on the floor a nice rug will add colour and style while protecting the existing carpet which can be a pretty expensive fix if ruined.

Now your room is really coming along. You just need that last item to tie everything together and give the room that finished feeling. It is time to choose your window treatments. Curtains are a great way to add texture to the room while complementing the existing colours.

Nice heavy curtain can be very functional as well. They can be pulled back to let the sunshine help warm the house in the spring and fall or they can be closed to keep out the heat of the summer and the bitter cold of the winter.

You don't need to feel limited on how stylish your rent home can be. Sure you have to follow the homeowner's rules and leave the bland carpet and white walls but with a little creativity you can create a look that will make both you and your landlord happy. And your personal touch can make any rent house can feel like home.

Are you looking for a property in UK? Do you want a stylish home? Alex Paterson a leading Internet Marketer and a real estate agent is proving all necessary resources to buy the best property in UK. Make your house more than a shelter at property to rent .

Superb And Glorious Set Of Bayeux Tapestries

Tapestries, attractive wall hangings, tapestry cushions, tapestry pillows and other types of decorative material, which is used for decorating houses, offices, gardens and other places, are very much in demand today. People buy them to gift them to their loved ones. Tapestries and wall hangings change the entire look of the room.

The first choice of interior designers for decorating the house is tapestries and wall hangings. But interior designer should make a conscious decision of buying those tapestries which suits the color and entire theme of the room. Superb and glorious set of tapestries are available, having different designs, patterns, sizes and colors.

There are different types of tapestries like Bayeux tapestry, Flanders tapestry, unicorn tapestry, oriental tapestry, landscape tapestry and others miscellaneous tapestries. They all are famous for their own unique and special features.

Bayeux TAPESTRY

Bayeux tapestry is 50 cm by 70 cm long embroidered cloth which shows the images and patterns leading up to the 1066 Norman invasion of England. Bayeux tapestry is one of the different forms of tapestries and has its own unique features. Bayeux tapestry is embroidery it is not like a tapestry.

It was constructed from eight pieces of linen which were joined together to make up its length. Bayeux tapestries are available in many designs and colors and are famous for its patterns which are historical. Bayeux tapestry is one of the best tapestries and is very much in demand.

FEATURES OF TAPESTRIES

Tapestries are made up of cotton, jute, coir, silk and other fibers and very attractive appliqué work, thread work, embroidery, patch work and others are done on them which make them look more beautiful.

As we all know in today's world interior decoration matters a lot. Interior decoration, not only in houses but in offices and other working places has become very important. Tapestries are used for decoration of home, garden, office and other places.

Tapestries wall hangings are available in all sizes and a person should select the tapestry for a particular room, keeping in mind, the color, theme and size of the room.

Our company http://www.tapestries-tapestry.com offers a wide range of attractive wall hangings, tapestries and other decorative material at very reasonable prices and special discount offers and exchange offers attached to them. You can buy them online also.

Customer satisfaction is the main aim of our company that is why we deal with only quality products. For more information please log on to http://www.tapestries-tapestry.com

Jude is a well known writer who has been writing on topics like tapestries and Belgian tapestries etc for the website http://www.tapestries-tapestry.com for a long time.

Where Do You Want to Place that Tapestry

You can use tapestries and rugs to create a delightful atmosphere, to make an uncomfortable big room look smaller in size, to increase the general effect of the room’s theme or to fill a desolate-looking room with warmth. The ideal tapestry or rug will be the one which will give the desired effect to your room so go for that rug or tapestry which you feel is ideal.

You can use rugs for multiple purposes in decorating your interior. Hang them on the walls and railings as tapestries or place them on the floor. Rugs are not only long lasting but they are also very portable.

Do not buy a costly and thick rug if the room is crowded most of the time. You buy a rug to have some color on the floor and possibly to act as an insulator. Such a kind of rug should be purchased in a dull color because it is not brought for the purpose of being the center of attraction. After all, your loved ones and guests will just pass through the rug.

On the other hand, tapestries will give out an impression about your personal style and fashion and as such they are intended to be seen by people. You can hang the tapestry on the wall near the entrance so as to give some impression about your home to your guests. The design of the tapestry should not be too much and it is essential that the tapestries be in warm and rich colors.

You interior decoration will give your guests some hints, about the kind of person that you are, right away. Keep this in mind the next time you go shopping for a tapestry or rug so that it will give a positive energy to your main entrance.

For further information on tapestries and interior design, please visit our website: http://www.european-wall-tapestries.com

Belgian Tapestries: A Collection of Good Quality & Wonderful Designs Tapestries

Tapestries are very durable collectible items and come from various cultural backgrounds including Asian, Italian, French, and Belgian.

Aside from the cultural aspect, tapestries are available in different textures, as well as designs that include architecture, nature like trees, birds, flowers, fantasy that includes unicorns, dragons, fairies, animals, medieval (castles, knights), royal crests, maps of the world, art and modern art, as well as religious designs.

Tapestries can sometimes be very helpful in providing social information of the time they were created. They depict the armor that was worn and the accessories such as banners and horse decoration used during battle.

They also show the original construction of buildings that may no longer exist but still hold historical relevance. Such things as food and drink and household customs are depicted with pride and preserved as an indication of the families' position. Some tapestries may depict many people and horses and activities all in the same piece of work.

A Belgian tapestry designs add charm and character to a dull and boring space. If you wish to be a proud owner of any of these tapestries, then www.tapestrycatalogue.com is the one stop online store for you.

The online store specializes in high quality Belgian tapestries, tapestry cushions, tablecloths/table runners, handbags, tablemats, bell pulls, throws, decorating accessories and gift items. It has got a user friendly website, wide tapestry collection and free shipping service that encourage its customers to buy tapestries at the click of a button.

You can now enhance the beauty of your room with exquisite Belgian tapestries. The patterns and scenes, which are woven into the fabric, are inspired from original European tapestry designs and paintings. The Belgian tapestry is one of the most pervasive works of art throughout historical Europe and elsewhere.

Many churches and cathedrals had a number of ornate tapestries depicting religious scenes, and kings and nobility would often commission a tapestry to tell the story of a great battle or event. The online store has royal tapestries available at very affordable prices.

The tapestry art prints are cheaper than framed prints and serve as an art heirloom. Rich in art and texture, the Belgian tapestry wall hangings, bring warmth and high spirits to the décor of your home.

Jude is a well known writer who has been writing on Tapestry, European Tapestries and Belgian tapestries www.tapestrycatalogue.com

European Tapestries - Bayeux Tapestry

France's Bayeux Tapestry is part of the Memory of the World Register of UNESCO, a collective that encourages the preservation of historical archives and documents in the world. Among the four other French documents and archives that are part of the Memory of the World Register, it is perhaps the most elaborate in terms of form, content, and artistry.

The Bayeux Tapestry is unparalleled for its depiction and documentation of an important historical event. There are other tapestry pieces that depict real events. The Valois Tapestry, for one, illustrates the various festivities done during the time of Catherine de' Medici in France.

Others, like the New World Tapestry (which illustrates the English's attempt to colonize Newfoundland, America) rivals the Bayeux Tapestry in extravagance (the New World Tapestry is even bigger than the Bayeux Tapestry), but is not included in the UNESCO list (only the Bayeux Tapestry is the tapestry piece included on the Memory of the World Register list).

The Bayeux Tapestry narrates how the conflict Harold II (or Harold Godwinson) and William I (or William the Conqueror) began, which later lead to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The panels are detailed on narrating this event through the embroidered figures in the tapestry (although called a tapestry, the Bayeux Tapestry is actually embroidery).

The tapestry began when King Edward the Confessor sent Harold to Normandy. The tapestry did not specify why he sent him to Normandy. When he arrived, Harold was captured by the Count of Pontheiu, Guy, although was immediately released as per order of William, then a powerful duke.

After Harold saved two Norman soldiers from being trapped in quicksand and after William and Harold made Conan II, the Duke of Brittany, surrender, William knighted Harold. The meaning of the supposed knighting is not clear, although William could have seen this as a sign that Harold will support his campaign to get the English throne.

This, however, is not clear, as the tapestry did not have any evidence of this. When Harold returned to King Edward, the king was already sick. Edward died and Harold became his successor. After the coronation, a comet appeared (the comet is believed to be the Halley's Comet).

During the Middle Ages, comets are signs of impending doom. When the news regarding the coronation of Harold reached William, he went to Normandy, hence starting the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

Through the tapestry, the characters -- especially during the panels concerning the conflict -- can be differentiated using certain characteristic of the figures; the Normans had shaved the back part of their heads, and Harold's side had mustache. This was said to be the norm during those times.

Besides this, The Bayeux Tapestry is successful in documenting other aspects of life during the Middle Ages-the premonitions, the clothing, the appearance of the people, the society's norm. European Tapestries are incredible works-of-art.

Tapestries Wall Hangings: Best For Home Decor

Tapestry is a unique form of textile art. It is hand knitted on a vertical loom. The presence of Tapestries wall hanging has been witnessed since the Hellenistic times. During the fourteenth century AD, the art of making tapestries wall hanging reached a new stage in Europe.

It originated in Switzerland and Germany and then moved on to the Netherlands and France, later spreading to the whole of Europe. During the 14th and 15th centuries, France became the centre of this rare art. The French Revolution some what affected the presence of this art.

The Tapestries wall hangings became extremely popular in medieval Europe. In fact, Wall Hangings Tapestries made its presence in every nook and corner of a common man's house. The different types of Wall Hangings Tapestries include the Croft European, religious and the Bayeux embroidered tapestry.

Tapestries wall hangings are a rare collection. The warp threads are hidden in the final work. This is unlike cloth weaving, where we get to see the existence of both the weft threads and the warp. Utilizing this unique technique, a vibrant coloured outline of the image is created. Usually, the cotton or the linen is used as the warp thread.

The weft thread usually consists of cotton or wool, but may also include gold, silver, silk, and other alternatives. This uniqueness provides it with a natural aesthetic beauty. Its long heritage and beauty is no match for the contemporary and traditional decorative items of today.

The Tapestries wall hangings are available in different designs and colours. The main yarn colours are bluish green, russet or terracotta, olive green, dull gold and blue. Sage green and black is also not uncommon. Late repairs are worked in orange, light yellow, and shades of sober greens.

The different patterns, designs and styles used in these Wall Hangings Tapestries include beautiful landscapes, pictures of animals and wildlife and court scenes. It also includes images of the countryside and the city life as well, besides certain religious and mythological events.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Arras, France was a prosperous textile town. The industry focused in manufacturing fine wool tapestries that were sold to decorate the castles and palaces of kings and nobles all over Europe. Even in the modern era, Tapestries wall hangings are very popular and are used to provide a unique ambience to the house.

There are certain premium tapestry sellers like Croft European Tapestries that will help you acquire brilliantly coloured tapestries with intricate designs. Use one of them to create a mesmerising ambience in your home or workplace!

Janet is a well-known author who writes on the topics related with Tapestries, Tapestries Wall Hangings, Religious Wall Hanging & more for the site www.crofteuropeantapestries.co.uk.

Corporate Art Tapestries

Imagine a colorful wall tapestry fabricated from plush broadloom carpet. The corporate art world is abuzz with stunning examples of ornate carpet sculptured tapestries that defy a simple description. These broadloom tapestries can feature 3-d like depth and reflect current carpet sculpture techniques that have never been seen before.

How are the Tapestries produced?

Without revealing too many trade secrets, they are essentially fabricated with a unique inlay process. The vibrant color palette available in broadloom carpet selections assures that most requests can be met. After the tapestries are fabricated they are then sculpted with precision tools that 'sharpens' up the whole piece.

One sure-fire way to establish a unique look is to blend complimentary carpet styles and create a rich tapestry of colors, textures and depths. One clear advantage of this form of tapestry is the scalability. Think large scale murals and you have a glimpse of what's possible.

Mounting or hanging large scale tapestries does require a set-up time and an installation window of a day or two, but this is not uncommon.

There are a few obvious benefits to the installation of a plush tapestry.

1. A colorful alternative to the ordinary flat two-dimensional Art.

2. A creative solution as a sound buffer for rooms with ambient echoing.

3. Abundant themes that can be reflected in a custom tapestry.

When considering a broadloom tapestry, it's important to ask a few key questions, for example: How do we come up with a design? There will likely be a discovery phase; exploring concepts, then a few renderings are created and finally a design is agreed on.

How will the tapestry be mounted? For large scale tapestries, it's best to secure the tapestry on the wall with a special adhesive, making a more or less permanent install. For smaller tapestries, the same applies, however the tapestry can alternatively be stapled in place - invisibly - or hung from a decorative rod.

How are materials and colors chosen? There should be many options available in colors, style and textures. The broadloom mills like Shaw and Mohawk have extensive selections, here's a few: try a sophisticated patterned piece, or a thick plush style, or even shorter commercial grade options. Wool selections are also available. Samples and swatches can easily be shipped direct from the mills.

The stunning look and 'wow factor' of a well made broadloom tapestry will certainly generate a buzz in the designated space as well as create a quieter environment in those settings that demand it.

In wrapping up we have discovered that broadloom tapestries are ideal candidates for corporate art installations. They can add color and soften a noisy space at the same time, and can be scaled up to larger sizes. There are ample colors and styles to work with as well.

Russell Webb, your friendly expert Custom Carpet Maker. If you're ready to discover the creative and exciting world of custom carpet sculpture, and have fun doing it, then why not request more information at http://www.custom-area-rugs.com/services.htm

by Russel Webb

Bayeux Tapestries: Stylished And Modern For Interior Decoration

Decorate your home and walls with Bayeux tapestries, which is considered the most unique of wall hangings, and enhance the beauty of your home. With home décor like wall hangings tapestry, the house becomes modern and graceful and gives the home a feeling of warmth. Tapestry wall hangings are treated as precious interior decoration pieces and appreciated throughout the world due to its exceptionally dazzling artwork.

All the tapestries like tapestries UK, medieval tapestries, Flanders tapestries, religious tapestries, Belgium tapestries and European tapestries are known for its distinctively gorgeous design. Each and every tapestry possesses an innovative aspect.

Some tapestry reflects religious artwork which signifies the artistic and determined significance and can also be considered as the emblem of extravagance and esteem. The Bayeux tapestry is considered as the one of the most unique wall hanging for interior decoration.

Tapestrycatalogue.com provides a widespread assortment of Bayeux tapestries and medieval tapestries which are very chic for interior home decoration. These tapestries are produced in Europe on Jacquard loom and ultimately given the finishing touches by hand.

The themes of medieval tapestries which are obtained in the present market include 11th century historical masterpieces of Mathilde, Battle of Hastings, William the conqueror and Duke of Normandy and much more. The length of the Bayeux tapestry embroidery is approximately 20”tall and 230ft long.

The Bayeux tapestry through its images reveals the story of the events leading unto and including the battle of Hastings that took place on October 14th 1066.

The Bayeux Tapestries also preserved the fame of the Norman downfall of England and the stage show of Harold of Wessex and Duke William of Normandy for more than 900 years. Generally, the Bayeux Tapestry is attributed to William the conqueror’s wife Matilda and commissioned by William's half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux for display in the Bayeux Cathedral. According to some intellectuals, the Englishmen from Canterbury stitched the Bayeux Tapestry in the real sense.

The price of these Bayeux Tapestries is quite economical and now people can place their order online from Tapestrycatalogue.com. The company offers a unique collection of Bayeux tapestry wall hangings to decorate the house.

The customer service they provide is second to none, and this makes the customers to come back time and again. Log on to www.tapestrycatalogue.com and place your order now.

Jude is a well known writer who has been writing on Tapestry, Bayeux Tapestries and Home Decor etc. for the site www.tapestrycatalogue.com.

by Jude Charlotte

How Needlework Was Used to Re-Write History – the Secret of the Bayeux Tapestry

You do not have to be a needlepoint enthusiast like me to appreciate the magnificent Bayeux Tapestry, which chronicles the events leading up to the conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in the year 1066.

Technically speaking it is not a tapestry at all – but an embroidery, stitched with wool on a linen background by a team of needle workers. But the interesting question is: was it made just to celebrate a great victory?

To answer this question you have to consider the political situation at the time. Duke William claimed that the King, Edward the Confessor, had promised him the throne of England. However this event had not been properly witnessed or recorded. He also claimed that Harold, the future King of England, had previously sworn allegiance to him. But Harold had been imprisoned in France at that time, and his actions could have been misunderstood.

On Edward’s death, William of Normandy had expected to ascend the English throne. But instead Harold disputed his claims, insisting that the Kingdom had been bequeathed to him by the dying monarch, and was duly crowned King. William replied to this by invading England, defeating the English army and killing King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

Now the new King William had to ensure that history told the story his way. What better way to achieve this than with a huge 230 feet long tapestry – a priceless work of art, which would be preserved for centuries, and confirm his right, and that of his successors, to the throne of England.

Thus the whole scene of Edward promising his crown to William, and Harold swearing allegiance, was stitched into the tapestry, and recorded for all time. Picture an era when very few people could read, and imagine the visual impact of this story told in vivid images, complete with the mangled bodies of the dead in battle. Even today you can walk along beside the Tapestry, and the whole epic story unfolds before your eyes, just as William the Conqueror intended, a thousand years ago.

The Da Vinci Code was an example of a good, but unconvincing attempt to re-write history. But the Bayeaux Tapestry succeeded!

Tom McMorrow is a partner at Cross Stitch Centre, the specialist needlecraft retailer - visit their website http://www.cross-stitch-centre.co.uk and learn more about tapestry needlepoint, cross stitch and embroidery.

by Tom McMorrow

The Bayeux Tapestry - A Brief History

Certainly one of the most magnificent embroidered works in all of history, the Bayeux Tapestry is 20 inches tall and 230 feet long. Through its many panels, it tells the story of the events surrounding the battle of Hastings, which took place on Oct. 14, 1066.

It was there that the Norman Conquest unfolded. On the one side the Anglo-Saxons, led by Harold Godwinson, recently crowned the King of England. Pitted against his army were the Normans, led by William the Conqueror. Even today, you can tell who is who in the tapestry. The Normans are shown with their heads shaved while the Anglo-Saxons have mustaches.

Amazingly, the Bayeux Tapestry contains the images of more than 600 humans, 35 dogs, some 200 horses, 41 ships, 500 other animals and 2,000 words in Latin.

Technically, the Bayeux Tapestry is not really a tapestry at all. The original was embroidered, not woven. But that doesn't affect its value to historians and art lovers in the least.

The tapestry is believed to have been commissioned by William's half brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux and was to be displayed in the Bayeux Cathedral to commemorate his brother's bold victory. The tapestry was first mentioned in 1476 in an inventory of the cathedral. Two missing panels are believed to have shown William ascended to the throne of England.

The Bayeux Tapestry remained in the cathedral from more than 400 years, and then little is known of it for the next 300. The masterpiece almost ended its days as a cover for goods on a wagon. During the French Revolution, there was a serious shortage of cloth and a villager remembered there was some old cloth in the church. Lambert Leonard Leforestier saw what was happening and offered his own cloth as a trade for the priceless cathedral tapestry.

At one time, it was believed that Napoleon had used the tapestry to plan his own invasion of England. He had had the Bayeux Tapestry removed from the cathedral at one point and transported to Paris.

A replica of the tapestry is on display at the Museum of Reading in England. The brainchild of Elizabeth Wardle, a skilled embroiderer, she began her effort to reproduce the work after visiting the original in 1885. She felt strongly that England should have its own Bayeux Tapestry.
Thirty-five members of the Leek Embroidery Society completed the replica in a year.

As a nod to the morality of the Victorian era, the Museum of Reading reproduction has a naked figure that is in the original covered with clothing to cover his privates. Otherwise, the two works are almost identical.

Today, the original Bayeux Tapestry has been returned to its rightful home, the Bayeux Cathedral. There, it is proudly displayed in the village of Bayeux in Normandy, France and is open to tourists.

Individual panels and sections of the Bayeux Tapestry have been reproduced for home display as well. Chronicling specific key events within the battle, each tapestry is a faithful reproduction of the original and allows homeowners the chance to not only bring a magnificent work of art into their home, but a piece of European history as well.

Want impressive wall art for your home? Then see this fine collection of the latest tapestry wall hangings for ideas to inspire your imagination. Tom Matherson writes for Worldwide Tapestries where you can find a superb range of medieval tapestries and wall decor and other art tapestries to decorate your home.

by Tom Matherson

The Norman Fleet Event From the Bayeux Tapestry and More

The Bayeux Tapestry was successful in providing a document that illustrates the events that transpired before and during the 1066 Battle of Hastings. As with many tapestries depicting an important event, there are several questions pertaining to its content.

For example, during the part where Harold Godwinson talked to William the Conqueror, there is a panel on the right side of the tapestry historians claimed pertains to a sexual scandal during that day. That scandal, up until now, is still unknown, and historians said it could probably be a scandal that the weavers thought needed no explanations.

It couldn't have been insignificant since it was included in the Bayeux Tapestry, it was probably a well-known scandal during the time. Parts of that panel were already altered in present day replicas, specifically the part that features two naked men with their genitalia exposed. Personal emphasis, critics said, could have also distorted the work's accuracy.

However, while its accuracy is disputed and the many mysteries surrounding it is still being debated, nothing ever like it has documented the event so accurately.

The part where William had initiated the war is the most elaborate in the Bayeux Tapestry. It did, after all, involved several figures and details. When William learned that Harold was crowned as king, he felt as if he deserved the throne. William had knighted Harold previously, before they defeated Brittany's Conan II and Harold returned from Normandy.

Since William thought Harold is a traitor and a usurper, he organized a fleet of ships to be used for his conquest. The tapestry illustrated the Norman's preparation; woodmen shaped trees into planks while men used the planks to build a number of boats. Weapons and food were then taken to the boats.

The panel after that showed William and his fleet of ships crowding the sea. Aboard Mora, the ship his wife Queen Matilda (the one who supposedly commissioned the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry, although documents later dispelled that rumor) bought for him, William lead his armada. The Norman reached England in September 28th. From Pevensey, they rode towards Hastings, where the battle took place.

From that point, the tapestry illustrated the Battle of Hastings, showing each side preparations. The tapestries illustration of the Battle of Hasting is brutal, showing the violence in detail. Several dead bodies were splattered on the tapestries lower border. Several panels were devoted in illustrating the battle, including the death of Harold's two brothers and, ultimately, the death of Harold Godwinson.

The Bayeux Tapestry at this point shows the preparation of kingdoms when they embark to battles. This also shows that war started at the slightest provocation. When one judges the wall hanging, it is not clear how the war started, except that William may have seen Harold's coronation as an attempt to usurp him. With the Bayeux Tapestry, the littlest details in the lives and culture of the Europeans during the Middle Ages are known to people who lived later.

Alex Hanson writes about how The Bayeux Tapestry is undeniably the most well-known and elaborate work of art in tapestries known in existence. Bayeux Tapestries woven from The Battle of Hastings in 1066 is what The Bayeux Tapestry is all about, shown in detail from the original which is 230 feet long and 20 inches high, which includes 77 events. It's a remarkable and beautiful work of art.

by Alex Hanson