From the early days of tapestry weaving in Western Europe, production included tapestries of smaller dimension like cushions and bank covers. During the 14th and 15th centuries they often formed... Show moreFrom the early days of tapestry weaving in Western Europe, production included tapestries of smaller dimension like cushions and bank covers. During the 14th and 15th centuries they often formed part of a tapestry suite including bed- and wall-hangings. Seat furniture with tapestry coverings nailed to the frame appeared around 1550. In the 17th century furniture tapestries numbers increased further, especially in the Netherlands, comprising covers for cushions, beds, seat furniture, table carpets and chimney valances, and produced in the many local workshops. In France however, tapestries were then almost exclusively used as wall-hangings. Only circa 1700 did furniture tapestries become more popular there, and soon after 1750 French production knew its first hey-day, with important workshops situated in Paris, Beauvais and Aubusson. The economic crisis following the French revolution had severe repercussions for all tapestry manufactories. Shortly after Napoleon became Emperor, the former royal workshops of the Gobelins and Beauvais started weaving furniture tapestries for the imperial residences, which practice continued under subsequent regimes. Large scale production of furniture tapestries in the private looms of Aubusson flourished after 1860. Around the same time tapestry manufactories (re)opened in Belgium at Ingelmunster, Mechelen and Brussels. Throughout the centuries the popularity of furniture tapestry may have fluctuated, but its solidity and richness of materials, its iconography and aristocratic status were always appreciated Show less
