How do I hang a heavy wool tapestry safely?

Distribute the weight evenly across a sturdy timber frame or use a specialised brass rod with multiple wall brackets. Avoid hanging textiles directly by a few isolated points to prevent distortion of the wool fibres over time. Ensure the hanging is positioned away from direct sunlight and damp walls to preserve the natural wool and cotton materials.

What is the difference between a tapestry and a rug?

Wall hangings and tapestries are woven specifically for vertical display on interior surfaces, utilising lighter structures and pictorial designs meant to be viewed from a distance. Rugs feature denser pile or flatweave construction engineered to withstand foot traffic on the floor. Pictorial wool rugs do appear in wall hanging contexts, but their foundation and backing remain designed for ground use.

How do I identify a 17th-century Flemish piece?

Seventeenth-century Flemish works typically depict complex mythological or dense woodland scenes with deep, muted tones and sophisticated border designs. The complexity of the narrative and the density of the wool and silk weave point toward these historic northern European workshops. Examine the reverse side and the selvedge edges for clues regarding the hand-weaving techniques characteristic of the period.