How do I hang a heavy tapestry?

Large woven panels require weight to be distributed evenly across a wooden batten or hidden metal bar rather than suspended from a single point. This prevents distortion of the upper textile edge. For framed or board-mounted pieces, secure wall fixings rated for the combined weight of the timber and fabric must be utilised to ensure safety.

What periods do these textiles cover?

The available selection spans from 17th-century Flemish and Brussels workshops through to 18th-century French pastoral pieces and 19th-century Aubusson creations. Later examples extend into early 20th-century needlework panels and Central Asian embroideries. Each era reflects distinct stylistic shifts, moving from elaborate mythological narratives to softer domestic floral arrangements.

How should I clean my tapestry?

Historic textiles require minimal intervention and should only be surface-cleaned by specialist conservators using gentle vacuum methods through protective mesh. Direct washing or aggressive scrubbing causes irreparable damage to aged wool and silk fibres. Professional textile conservators can assess structural stability before any remedial cleaning or mounting takes place.

Where were these pieces originally displayed?

Grand European tapestries hung in chateaux, merchant houses, and formal halls to provide warmth against cold stone walls while demonstrating status. Narrow entre-fenêtre panels fitted precisely between architectural window openings in period salons. Tribal Suzani embroideries served domestic functions within Central Asian households as wall hangings or decorative covers.