Tapestries (Shire Library, #868)

by Rosita Sheen

Tapestries have been an enigmatic form of artwork for hundreds of years, with the intricate symbolism of their woven narratives still fascinating viewers today. Unicorns and fantastic beasts rub shoulders with well-heeled aristocrats; famous biblical and saintly stories are played out; allegorical figures, gods and goddesses recline in classical landscapes; and the arms and military achievements of wealthy patrons are depicted in sparkling glory. However, far from being an outdated craft, tapestries continue to be woven to this day, both by talented amateurs in their homes and by highly skilled artisans in studios and workshops around the world. In this beautiful illustrated introduction to the history of tapestries, Rosita Sheen reveals the fascinating story of these masterpieces, exploring their conception, manufacture, and symbolism right up to the present day.

• ISBN10: 1784423831
• ISBN13: 9781784423834
• Publish Date: 31 October 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Imprint: Shire Publications
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 64
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Tapestries is a historical look at tapestries and the supporting industries from ancient to modern times. Due out 24th Dec 2019 from Osprey, it's 64 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).

This is a compact, well illustrated, well researched book on tapestries through history to the modern ages. The introduction covers definitions, materials and process, looms, dyeing, and other basics. The following chapters follow tapestry development roughly chronologically from ancient and medieval tapestries, through the socioeconomic background of patrons and merchants, trade fairs and commission of bespoke pieces of work. The renaissance and the decline of historical tapestry weaving leads on into the modern resurgence of tapestry work by modern artists. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with woodcuts, photographs of historical tapestry, workshop illustrations, and photographs of more modern work through to gallery representation and working process photos. The book also includes a glossary of terms, links to further reading and information as well as links to exhibits and museum collections which can be seen by the public, and a cross referenced index.

This would make a superlative library book, fibrearts guild library selection, gift for a lover of fibre-arts, or reference for many fibre-crafters including knitters, weavers, embroiderers, etc.

Four stars. Very well done.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.