Lecture 1: Tapestries

This first lecture was based on Tapestries, their symbolism and how the viewer will interact with this piece of art.

Tapestry, throughout time, has had, and still does, have a widespread popularity due to it decorative appeal, strength, Versatility and overall of it being a durable textile, lasting for over centuries at times. The Greeks regarded Tapestry as an important element of interior decoration, also a status symbol of affluence and importance.

Tapestries are satirical and can be representative of all kinds of subjects, that being religion or myths etc. Used in many ways, Tapestries can have a powerful meaning such as a narrative content. Allegories are very common in Tapestries.

Symbolism play an important role in Tapestries. Each figurative image represents something powerful. A common symbolic representation used was the senses or love.

Medieval allegories almost have the personification of an abstract like quality. Churches used Tapestries to describe biblical events, although its primary purpose was that of decoration. Alot of the symbolist theories that are related to alot of tapestries through time have been lost, meaning some of the greatest allegories revealment shall never be known.

The most famous Tapestry, which actually in an embroidery is the Bayeux Tapestry. I've always had a great interest in the Bayeux Tapestries since learning about it in GSCE history. Based on the Norman Conquest in 1066, it acts as a narrative depicting the overall events of this historic battle. Below is a section of the 230 feet long Tapestry.

It is said that Bishop Odo ordered the Tapestry to be created, whom that was, is unknown. I like to believe it was made as a record for future generations to have understood the battle between Harold of England and William of Normandy in the Battle of Hastings.

As part of research into looking at Medieval Tapestry, I've researched into the myths and symbolism of the unicorn Tapestries, after finding a book in the Library, 'the Oak King, the Holly King and the unicorn, by John Williamson' It looks at Christian iconography in the Unicorn Tapestries, which are all based on animal and plant imagery in order to present the symbolic meaning of the hunt and slaying of a unicorn.

The interesting thing about medival Tapestries is the space, the whole idea of the viewer having to interact and move around with the tapestries to see different elements, helps to understand the story.