How do I care for antique tapestries?

Keep woven wall hangings away from direct sunlight to prevent the natural wool and silk fibres from fading. Support the weight evenly across the hanging batten rather than pinning through the textile. Dust them gently with a soft brush or low-suction vacuum through a protective mesh screen. Avoid moisture and professional cleaning unless handled by a textile conservator.

What is an Aubusson tapestry?

Aubusson refers to tapestries woven in the French town of Aubusson, known for pastoral and floral designs without metallic threads. These pieces date largely from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They generally feature muted, natural tones that blend well into neutral interior schemes.

How do I identify a nineteenth-century watercolour?

Examine the paper stock for watermark indicators and hand-laid textures typical of nineteenth-century paper mills. Pigments from this era often show characteristic matte finishes without modern acrylic gloss. Signatures, framing remnants, and period inscriptions on the reverse help confirm the era of production.

What is the difference between a sampler and a tapestry?

A sampler is an embroidered cloth featuring practice stitches, alphabets, and names, usually created by an individual as a domestic exercise. A tapestry is a structural wall hanging woven on a loom with complex pictorial imagery. Samplers focus on needlework technique, whereas tapestries function as large-scale woven wall art.