So you love antique tapestries! Well- who doesnt? But how many of us can afford them? From Sothebys to Christies auction houses, most antique tapestries, depending on their age, size and condition can run $30,000 +++. A recent auction sale at Sothebys for an antique tapestry called Chasse au Faucon (The Falcon Hunt) from the 16th century went for 1.1 million dollars.
Often, these wall hanging
Tapestries have undergone extensive repair, due to abuse over the years. A properly repaired antique tapestry will have a professional weaver re-weave the damaged areas, matching the colors well. An improperly repaired antique tapestry will have a matching fabric glued to the back of the damaged area and the tapestry face threads arranged so the hole is no longer visible. This of course, will significantly reduce the value of the antique tapestry (sometimes rendering almost valueless).
So what is best? Purchase an antique tapestry, or have a
custom tapestry reproduced following the same pattern? Well, if you can find a well preserved antique tapestry and have the financial where with all, then of course, an antique tapestry is the way to go. But if you are like most of us, want the effect of an antique tapestry in our home, but cannot afford the $$$$$, a custom tapestry, hand woven in 100% wool , or combined wool and silk is the answer. For example, the same Chasse au Faucon (The Falcon Hunt) that sold at Sothebys for 1.1 million can be purchased from Heirloom European Tapestries as a reproduction. It is a hand woven tapestry, using the same technique as the antique version, woven one thread at a time on a loom. However, it retails for around $2600. Of course the size is smaller, and the yarn threads are new but the effect is wonderful!
http://www.tapestries-inc.com/view_product.php?sku=823-A-1
Additionally you can have a hand woven tapestry, custom made to your specifications, of any scene, for that special space in your home, office, etc. Colors can be matched to drapes, furniture, and carpets, whatever. The choice is yours! And you can always call the Heirloom
European tapestries experts for advice 1-800-699-6836, or visit the website www.tapestries-inc.com.
