How were textile panels displayed historically?

Historically, large textile panels and tapestries hung directly on stone or wood-panelled walls to provide insulation and decoration in grand rooms. Narrower entre-fenêtre pieces filled specific wall spaces between windows. Smaller needlework panels and fragments were often framed or mounted on linen to preserve fragile edges and facilitate wall mounting.

How do I care for an antique textile hanging?

Protect antique textiles by keeping them away from direct sunlight, which can fade delicate wool and silk fibres over time. Gentle, indirect lighting and stable indoor humidity help preserve the integrity of old weaves. Vacuuming should be avoided unless done professionally through a mesh screen, as fragile threads easily catch and pull.

How can I tell an 18th-century tapestry from a 19th-century copy?

Distinguishing between periods involves examining the subtlety of the dye colours, the spin of the underlying threads, and the stylistic conventions of the figures and foliage. Earlier pieces often display natural dye variations and more organic composition. Nineteenth-century works frequently adopted historical styles like Aubusson or Renaissance revival designs, using brighter synthetic or chemically modified mordants.