At Heirloom European Tapestries, Inc., we are often asked about custom tapestries. This article will address some of your questions and perhaps, stimulate more! Well talk about the hand weaving of these special wall hangings, then discuss some design considerations for any tapestry, particularly the large tapestries which are often woven not only for their decorative value, but also for their acoustic qualities. First, lets explore the question Why should I consider a custom woven tapestry?
WHY CUSTOM TAPESTRIES?
Generally, the tapestry experts at Heirloom European Tapestries, Inc. will suggest a custom tapestry for your home, church or offices when either the required size or the desired subject matter are not available in stock weavings. While Heirloom
Tapestries offers one of the largest selections of wall hanging tapestries anywhere, there is still a need for custom tapestry weaving to fit your specific wall dimensions, themes and colors. Sometimes the client has a favorite scene or family armorial crest. Or they want to set a specific design mood in a special way. These may draw on contemporary influences, such as the work of an artist. Often, these designs are inspired by existing tapestry designs from the 800 year old Western European tapestry tradition. Heirloom Tapestries has a large library of tapestry books, many now out of print. These may be resourced, for instance, to research classic designs used in medieval times that may be reproduced with modifications to accommodate the needs of a contemporary church, community center, hotel lobby, etc.
Heirloom Tapestries has woven designs ranging from originals dated 1522, to music themed designs, to pumpkin patches for a theme park! They work with clients, drawing on this long history of tapestries where needed, to produce the perfect solution to your specific requirements. They start with an in-depth discussion about the pros and cons of custom weaving to determine if that is the optimum way to proceed. As specifics emerge, the design takes shape. Heirloom may supply major new design inputs, or they may be commissioned to reproduce your design, basically as it is, with little or no modifications.
HOW ARE CUSTOM TAPESTRIES WOVEN?
Heirloom hand weaves all their
custom tapestries from 100% New Zealand wool in the traditional warp and weft way. The warp is the undyed, vertical, structural yarns, and it is usually heavier then the weft which is the dyed wool woven alternately in and out across the tapestry to form the image or design.
The weaving is done by hand; one or two skilled weavers will need about 3-5 months to weave most tapestries, with the largest taking 6-9 months.
Before weaving begins, Heirloom Tapestries experts work closely to assure you that the end result will meet and exceed expectations. Careful attention is paid to all the details, from initial design consulting through to the subsequent design refinements, color specifications and determination of the best weavers for the final design.
SUMMARY
Heirloom European Tapestries, Inc. has worked with residential owners, architects, interior designers, businesses and churches, theatres and theme parks, to bring the kind of inspiration to spaces that only a tapestry can provide. A custom
Wall Hanging Tapestry is a work of art that will dramatically affect the mood in any space, large or small. It sets the perfect note, with just the right scale, design and colors to make the magic that endures, that elegance that inspires!
