Tree Of Life Tapestries & Rugs

Throughout the world, tapestry collections have captivated small and large audiences alike. Artists have historically found many of their works transformed into the tapestry medium, allowing for not only a greater widespread appreciation of their work, but for new and exciting interpretations to emerge around the vivid use of color and the complex textural attributes inherent in the extraordinary weavings.

The appeal of such collections is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Tapestries have been commissioned for ages as a means of expression. Some tapestries have focused on the powerful nature of religious beliefs, while others have been centered around abstract symbolism representing the lifestyles, culture, traditions and celebrations of the periods during which they were conceived. These original tapestry collections have found their way into museums throughout the world and are highly revered in the art community.

The Lure of Medieval Tapestry Collections
Perhaps some of the most significant tapestries that connoisseurs have honored are the wide-ranging weavings undertaken during medieval times. These intricate and delicate collections have managed to withstand the test of time — both physically and figuratively — in such a way as to secure prominent positions in art history.

Some of the more well-known tapestry collections around the world have incorporated unicorns into their designs. Unicorns have been used throughout history to symbolize a range of concepts and emotions – many of which were based on religious experiences and beliefs, elements of human nature, or a combination of these attributes. Among the most famous of these is the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series on display at the Cluny Museum in Paris, France. This valued collection employs the use of unicorns to visually represent various human senses, such as smell, sight and touch.

Another exquisite tapestry collection involving unicorns resides in New York City at the Cloisters Museum. The series, entitled La Chasse de la Licorne, dates back to 16th century France and includes intricate and esoteric pieces such as LiCorne a la Fontaine and LiCorne Captive. These multi-faceted weavings provide an abstract suggestion of the unicorn’s healing powers (particularly with regard to the unicorn’s horn), which was a widely-held belief during the Middle Ages. The unicorns also symbolized many significant religious beliefs during the Medieval period, particularly with regard to the turmoil endured by Christ, as well as the age-old conflict between good and evil — and between purity and corruption.

Shrouded in Mystery — The Bayeux Tapestry
One of the more enigmatic and widely-recognized tapestry works is that of the Bayeux Tapestry, which dates back to the 11th century. This impressive piece is not actually a collection of tapestries at all. Rather, it is a single massive embroidery that spans more than 70 meters and depicts the Battle of Hastings as fought by William the Conqueror in 1066. The work is often viewed as a “collection”, in that those who have reproduced it have typically split it into sections, which focus on many of the highlights of the overall story.

The exact origins of the Bayeux Tapestry have provided much fodder for historians who have sought to unravel the mystery of its development: the first historical reference to the tapestry emerged in 1476, long after the work is believed to have been commissioned. In addition, the tapestry managed to endure significant abuse throughout its 900-year history, and the fact that very little documentation exists to explain how it has managed to survive all these years has only further contributed to the its mysterious appeal. The full-length original is now housed within a specially designed museum in the medieval town of Bayeux in France.

A Different Approach – William Morris Tapestries
While Medieval tapestry collections have provided art historians with an abundance of presentations to appreciate, modern approaches to tapestry art have been signified in part by the compelling works of William Morris. Morris’ company was founded in 1861 and established itself as the premiere outfit for the design and production of high-quality tapestries (as well as other art forms).

Morris believed deeply in the uniqueness of the artistic expression, and this individuality shines through in every piece which has his name attached to it. One of the more popular pieces, entitled Ehret Die Frauen, is on display at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, England. This piece offers a striking combination of colors developed under 20th century weaving techniques.

Other famous Morris tapestries include the Forest — a detailed, peacock-themed work which currently resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London – and the Tree of Life, Flora and Woodpecker tapestries.

Tapestry Collections Continue to Inspire
Many of the tapestry collections that have gain prominence in the art community originated during medieval times. However, tapestries have inspired artists throughout history to continue in the development of new and exciting forms of artistic expression. While touching on a few well-known tapestry collections here, it should be noted that a plethora of additional tapestries are spread throughout the world and continue to inspire and influence the art community worldwide.

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Tapestry collections throughout the world have been celebrated by many. The vivid and dramatic colours and diverse interpretations have captivated audiences and have enabled artist’s masterpieces to be transformed and reproduced through tapestry. Through the ages tapestries have been commissioned as a way of expressing art form. This may have been through dramatic religious belief, or in a representation of tradition and lifestyle using a more abstract symbolic approach. Museums now house many of the original tapestry collections which continue to exude a timeless appeal.

The Attraction of Medieval Tapestries

Some of the most well known and enigmatic tapestries are those woven during the medieval era. These works of art have stood the test of time and continue to appeal through their intricate design and detail. Unicorns were incorporated into the design of many medieval tapestries, symbolizing good over evil and religious experience. One of the most famous sixteenth century collections can be seen in New York City at the Cloisters Museum. La Chasse de la Licorne, originally woven in France, contains a multifaceted array of symbolism and is believed to represent healing, particularly the horn of the unicorn. One theory behind the meaning of the series is that they were originally commissioned to celebrate a marriage and the Licorne Captive is representative of a lady capturing her betrothed. The Lady and the Unicorn series shows unicorns representing the human senses such as touch, smell, and hearing and can be seen in the Cluny Museum, Paris. Many of the tapestries incorporating unicorns into their designs were based on religious beliefs, and a way of expressing emotions. Unicorns continue to appeal today to a wide audience.

 A Medieval Raconteur- The Bayeux Tapestry

One of the most famous and well known tapestries of all time is in fact embroidery. The Bayeux Tapestry was woven to celebrate the victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 by William the Conqueror and is actually split into sections focusing on the story. The precise origins of the tapestry remain a mystery and are thought to have been commissioned by Bishop Odo. Although there is a reference to the existence of the work in 1476 it has endured poor storage and was used to cover a cart during the French Revolution. Remarkably it has survived and has an enduring appeal. Today this magnificent artefact is displayed in the Musee de la Tapisserie in the French town of Bayeux.

William Morris- Inspired Designs

 William Morris tapestries signified the emergence of modern tapestry art, particularly those that could be adapted for middle class Victorian homes. Unique designs with striking and dramatic colours saw Morris become one of the most popular artists of his time. One example of his work entitled Ehret Die Frauen is displayed in the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester and was inspired by a verse by Schiller extolling feminine virtue. Other examples of Morris designs include the Tree of Life, Flora, Pomona, and the Woodpecker. A Continual Inspiration Textiles have been used throughout history for a variety of purposes and in differing art media. Tapestry is a form of textile wall art that continues to enhance our surroundings and appeal to many cultures.

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William Morris is one of Britain’s most prolific textile designers with a talent in every area he managed to influence. A multi skilled designer with a appreciation of beautiful things, he developed a design portfolio that encompasses many genres in the applied arts. Morris’ Early years In 1834 William Morris was born in Walthamstow, Essex. He attended Exeter College, Oxford where he met Edward Burne-Jones, who later became his business partner and lifelong friend. Initial plans to study for Holy Orders were abandoned in favour of becoming and architect. With such a creative mind Morris soon tired of this and joined his friend Burne-Jones to paint. Art became Morris’s forte and he developed talent in printing, poetry and learning how to weave. His tapestry work is undoubtedly his finest creation. Acanthus and Vine was Morris’s first tapestry, completed in 1879.

The Arts and Crafts Movement The 1860’s saw a transformation of the applied arts when Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Company was formed. This brought together some of the leading artists of the day as William Morris, Peter Paul Marshall, and Charles Faulkner began the Arts and Crafts Movement together with Edward Burne-Jones and Ford Maddox Brown. The tapestries and wall hangings created by Morris remain influential in the design world today. Morris said, ”Whatever you have in your room, think first of the walls, for they are that which makes your house and home.” The company eventually became known as Morris & Co in 1874. William Morris Tapestries Burne-Jones and Morris worked in partnership on some of the greatest tapestries to emerge from the Arts and Crafts Movement. Morris wove the tapestry that Burne-Jones designed.

One of the most popular tapestries is the Quest for the Holy Grail, now on display in the Birmingham Museum and is a set of six tapestries depicting this famous legend. The Adoration of the Magi is perhaps Morris’s most well known religious tapestry, and was also the most complex. Depicting the nativity scene, the foreground is scattered with British flowers and Morris declared that, “nothing better of the kind has ever been done, old or new.” The Woodpecker is one of the few designed by Morris himself and depicts the bird sitting in the branches of a fruit tree surrounded by an ornate background of leaves, which came to typify the Morris design. An embroidered inscription of Morris’s own poetry was included in the tapestry design. The use of colour and intricate detail can be seen in The Tree of Life, a well known Morris design, which also serves to display his expertise in patterns.

A timeless appeal

Morris once said,” Have nothing in your houses that you do know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” One of the most prolific artists of the nineteenth century, his works are seen today in modern homes and is a testament to the fact that true beauty is timeless.

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Photo by United Nations PhotoWilliam Morris was a British designer, artist and craftsman whose designs for art and the decorative arts helped create the arts and crafts movement during the Victorian era. Morris’s talents were endless and he turned his hand to poetry, illuminated manuscripts, printing, wallpaper design and many other decorative elements. He is best known, however, for his impressive revival of the ancient art of tapestry design.
Although he initially studied for Holy Orders at Oxford he soon embraced art after meeting his lifelong friend Edward Burne-Jones. Deciding to instead become an architect he embarked on a lifelong pursuit of artistic freedom that would lead to the creation not only of some of the Victorian era’s most famous works, but revitalize and recreate the arts and crafts movement.
Through an early love of poetry he soon taught himself printing and from that learned to weave and work a loom. It was the latter pursuit that would come to demonstrate Morris’s talent at it’s most impressive. His spectacular tapestries became his most famous creations.
Morris developed an array of skills. He learned to embroider by unpicking antique pieces to learn the stitches; he set up a loom in his house and taught himself to weave with only an 18th century French manual for guidance. Within a matter of months he had completed his first tapestry design.
In 1861 Morris founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Company along with friends Peter Paul Marshall and Charles Faulkner and subsequently begun the Arts and Craft Movement. Together with Edward Burne-Jones and fellow artists Ford Maddox Brown and Dante Gabriel Rosetti, the group produced some of the most creative tapestries and wall hangings the Victorians had seen.
It was Morris’s ambition to breathe new life into the art and he achieved it. Morris’s wall hangings and tapestries still remain an important influence on design today. His most famous works generally featured figures drew by Burne-Jones. Morris would design the background and the tapestry would be woven by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & co, which became simply Morris & Co in 1874 when Morris took sole control.
One of the most intricate and beautiful creations from the company, known as “the Firm”, is the Tree of Life tapestry. Designed by Morris it demonstrates his talent with patterns and his awareness and appreciation of the use of color. Symbolising growth and continuous life, the Tree of Life wall hanging is still one Morris’s most recognised works.
Morris & Co.’s most popular religious tapestry ‘The Adoration of Magi’ was first produced in 1890. As well as being Morris’s most ecclesiastical it was also the most complex. At least ten similar versions of the tapestry were woven between 1890-1907. Originally designed by Burne-Jones the tapestry depicts the Nativity scene.
The Quest for the Holy Grail, currently exhibited at the Birmingham Museum is one of the most well known works of Morris & Co. Like many of the others, the tapestry, which depicts the fascinating story of the search for the Holy Grail, was designed by Edward Burne-Jones. It is one of six wall hangings illustrating the story and was woven in 1895-96.
Possibly the most captivating and charming of Morris & Co.’s tapestries is the Ehret die Frauen. Designed by Marianne Stokes the hanging was inspired by a quotation from Friedrich von Schiller’s 1796 poem “Wurde der Frauen” (Women’s Worth), which appears in the upper border: “Honour the Women, they broid and weave heavenly roses into earthly life.”
One of William Morris’s most enduring legacies is his revitalization of tapestry art. By the mid-19th century wall tapestries had become just another mass produced item. Driven by the need to demonstrate the importance of the individual over the means of production Morris used tapestry and textile design to revitalize the central importance of creativity in art.
Its effect was not only felt during the Victorian era, but also well into the 20th century influencing many modern graphic designers to experiment in new areas of design. Morris’s approach, to assume all aspects of a work were open to experiment, has become more commonplace, but was unusual for its day.
Morris was one of the most prolific artists of the 19th century. The works of William Morris are proof that real beauty can be timeless. As popular today as they were over a century ago, Morris’s art has continued to inspire new generations of artists and craftsmen to reach beyond convention and genuinely create.
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