The Middle Ages saw the beginning of early tapestry decoration and where wall hanging emerged as an authentic form of decorative art in the home. The Gothic style of Medieval tapestry has always prevailed with decorations of flowers, religious subjects and mythical creatures. They were thought to be the epitome of a tasteful home and even today continue to bring pleasure to the modern house. Nowadays tapestry is more affordable to people whereas it was once the domain of the very wealthy.



The imagery of medieval tapestry conveyed messages of love and redemption, of the senses and perception and deep religious meanings. A combination of the cultures of German and Roman Art ensured that religious themes remained a pillar to artistic development during the Middle Ages.

Medieval wall hangings have retained their popularity and are an exciting addition to the modern home. Classical designs from this period continue to please today and are charming pieces of wall art.

During the Middle Ages the Wool Season from June to July was an important time of year. This is depicted in the elegant tapestry, Travailler des Laines, showing a 16th century scene from the Loire Valley. Wall hangings were used to communicate and the work shows Tomas Bohier as adviser to Charles VIII supervising peasants. In those times people like Bohier would not have been directly concerned with the peasantry, however the tapestry has provided a resource for historians through time. This type of work would have been commissioned by the wealthy and offers a glimpse into the everyday world of the peasant.

The Lady and the Unicorn remain a classical set of Medieval tapestries that weave the senses with myth and legend. They can now be seen in the Cluny Museum in Paris and had almost not survived history, being restored after their discovery in damp conditions in 1844. They are believed to have been commissioned in the late 15th century, and their origin is unclear. This series contains the mille fleur pattern throughout which is a common feature of medieval tapestry. The theme for each hanging is slightly different and features a lady, a unicorn and a lion. Each tapestry is believed to represent the senses of taste, sight, touch, love, hearing and smell.

Les Vendanges is a charming medieval tapestry, complete with mille fleur decoration and shows peasants gathering grapes for the harvest. Medieval scenes were relatively rare and capture a vision of how life was in those times. This art from the gothic age was often bold in colour and really shows the level of creative artistry practicing at the time.

Medieval wall hangings continue to bring pleasure to the modern home. Their weave helps lift the colour and adds a warmth to the home. People are often surprised by the distinctive nature of a wall textile. There is so much choice in the medieval range of wall hangings that someone looking to enhance their home will not be disappointed with the selection of elegant wall hangings that are available.

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