subject: Large Tapestries [print this page] Large tapestries have decorated walls since the 9th century. From Medieval times through to current day, large tapestries have been used to fulfill many functions in homes. During the Medieval Period in European History large tapestries were hung on damp castle walls to create warmth. Castle walls typically were dank, and made of cold stone would allow moisture and cold to seep in. Large tapestries occupying all 4 walls of a room where hung approximately 1-3 feet away from the wall creating a chamber effect (or a room within a room). With a single fireplace heating the room, large tapestries would provide a warm sanctuary from the elements.
During the 1600s in France ,Italy and Belgium when tapestry weaving was at its peak, large tapestries were created by various well known artists such as Boucher, Fragonard, Rubens, Raphael to create wall murals which were not paintings but were woven large tapestries occupying floor to ceiling, corner to corner of each room. The large tapestries therefore became backdrops to the furniture and decorative elements that were placed in the room .Often paintings were hung on the tapestry as if it was wall paper. Often the large tapestries would tell an entire story, with each wall panel depicting a different segment. With no other stimulus (such as television,videos, books, or computers) the tapestries could be read over and over again providing a visual story.
Aubusson became famous for large tapestries. Located in France, two small towns of Felletin and Aubusson became the center during the 18th century for producing landscape tapestries, large tapestries and carpets for the gentry. With a river flowing through the center of both of these towns, it became ideal for wall hanging tapestries since the wool threads had to be dyed prior to weaving. Water was required to mix and rinse the dyes.
Today aubusson is still a term used for both carpets and tapestries. While no further tapestries are being woven in Aubusson, the name still remains and sometimes people in Europe who want to purchase a landscape tapestry still refer to it as an aubusson tapestry.
Heirloom European Tapestries carries a variety of aubusson style large tapestries in stock.
In current time large tapestries are often used in our homes today. With many of our homes 2,000 square feet and up large empty walls lend themselves ideally for large tapestries. Large tapestries in our home today lend themselves perfectly for decor, for acoustics (absorbing sound in tile, marble, stone and wood flooring), create wonderful background for our furniture and carpets, and bring the warmth of summer into our homes year round. Some large wall hanging tapestries tell a story, others are pastoral or landscape creating a cozy environment that welcomes us home after a busy day.
Typically a large tapestry in a home should occupy 80 -100% of the space on a wall. They should not be considered to replace a painting, as large tapestries should be thought of as more of a mural than a small painting. Sometimes with very large walls, such as clear story it is impossible to fill the space, so the size of the tapestry should be taken into consideration when considering which part of the large wall or clear story you want it to occupy. A small tapestry on a large wall will tend to look like postage stamp. Subsequently, the larger the tapestry the better experience the viewer will have.
Furniture should be placed in front or along side of the large tapestry. The visual effect with large tapestries is best experienced when the tapestry drops slightly below a piece of furniture or behind it. This way the furniture, other decorating elements and the large tapestry are viewed as one integrated whole, thereby creating a wonderful visual experience.
Heirloom European Tapestries specializes in large tapestries with many hand woven tapestries in stock. A tapestry that needs to be a specific size to fit a particular wall can be created from a customers own design as a custom tapestries. Large tapestries are considered to be 7 feet or larger. Large wall hanging tapestries can be viewed on Heirloom European Tapestries web site at www.tapestries-inc.com.
