Designs from the past still make medieval tapestries exciting today

There are many different kinds of tapestry of many styles and sizes. One kind of work that has remained attractive and popular to people for centuries is medieval tapestries. These works have a practical role in history in that they were useful to insulate walls with when central heating was not yet available. They were pain stakingly made with the cloth woven by hand and the dyes made from natural sources like berries. The craftsmen perfected their craft over many years and passed the skills on to their sons. Families of famous weavers were not unheard of. Pride and great reputations were created with the creation of famous medieval tapestries. Ancient works created during the medieval period are treasured in museums and copied by manufacturers today.

The copies of old works are popular and the creation of new works in the same style is all considered medieval tapestries. It refers to the style as much as the period and may be new as well as old. The modern versions are less likely to be produced by hand and are more likely to be machine made. The new versions also have access to more colors, as the ones created centuries ago were limited to only about twenty colors that craftsmen could produce.

A visit to a museum or research in hard copy or on the Internet can introduce you to many exciting medieval tapestries. If you decide to purchase one you can select from reproductions of old masters or new versions from online stores that sell tapestries.

Author Notes:

Laurie Simpson contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.tapestry-tapestry.com. Tapestries make elegant gifts as table runners, pillows, throws and wall hangings found in traditional and medieval prints.