Reproduction Tapestries and Wall Hangings

Who doesn't love a good tapestry? Tapestries, or a picture woven into cloth, have been around for centuries - these forms of art are practical coming from many diverse cultures.

The ancient Egyptians would use them to bury the dead. The Greek Empire would line the halls of grand buildings. It wasn't until the Middle Ages where the tapestry became a status symbol, yet were used to insulate. The Lady and the Unicorn series of tapestries are by far the most well known and an example of the most reproduced as tapestries, pillows and framed art. Reproductions allow us to enjoy superb copies of the original work of art for less cost (sometimes cheaper than buying a framed print.) You just have to know where to look!

The Noblemans Way of Life reproduction tapestry that I have hung in our bedroom - this type of scene is called Mille Fleur, meaning a thousand flowers. (For reference, this reproduction cost $200)

I love using tapestries as art in my home to bring an area to life. Being a baller on a budget, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg. With research and patience you can find original tapestries, but you will pay and the scale will be on the smaller side. Typically original tapestries of a popular scene and larger in scale I've seen start at $2,000, whereas you can get a nice reproduction starting at around $200. Many original tapestries are in museums (though even museum house reproductions believe it or not.) Today you can find large reproduction collections of this ancient craft not only as wall art, but other bespoke home accessories such as throw pillows and armchairs. When it comes to wall art you can use vintage material, weavings, antique fabrics, or even plush velvet to dress your walls.

When purchasing reproductions think about the scale, because unlike originals, repros have lesser image quality because the technique is different. For example, when you have a 12' original tapestry that was woven thread-by-thread, then you shrink it down to a 4', the threads are in lower quantity and not as fine – it's the modern day idea of pixelation. Depending the source, the color will be duller than the original. This is something to think about when comparing an original tapestry to a reproduction, and also whether a fine print is more of what you are looking for. Most importantly always do your research.

I've used this 19th century french woven silk damask jacquard original tapestry in my dining room to fill the large walls and to add texture. This tapestry pattern features beautiful women holding a coat of arms with the crown & royal fleur de liz surrounded by scrolling foliage. (For reference, this original tapestry cost $350)

Advantages of tapestries or wall hangings in the home:

• Large wall hangings create a focal point that can help anchor a room or enhance the decor you already have. Think about selecting a tapestry based on the main colors of your room OR start with a unique tapestry then build a room around it based on colors and feeling
• Like in the medieval times, tapestries can add elegance to a room. Knowing the story of your tapestry will be a great conversation starter
• If your not into ornate tapestries see mid century modern, plush velvet, Swedish tapestries
• A tapestry can add warmth and texture to a room
• Tapestries or needlepoint wall hangings can also be used as a rug or decorative throw
• Need a headboard, use a tapestry behind your bed

Tapestries and wall hangings come in all various sizes and styles – I'm personally drawn to the more intricate designs that feature medieval scenes of knights and everyday life in the millefleurs style. How about you?

When I purchased this reproduction needpoint tapestry, from Anastacias Antiques, I didn't realize my walls were a bit short for this massive piece of art. I improvised and decided to use it as a floor rug in my dining room. (For a reference point, this particular reproduction due to its condition, the cost was $300)

Here are some additional resources on where to purchase tapestries online:

Reproductions:

Mille Fleurs Tapestries / Design Toscano / The Tapestry House / Reproduction tapestries on ebay

Originals:

Mansour / Antique tapestries on ebay

Mixture of antique, vintage and reproductions:

Etsy 

When purchasing online always be sure to read the fine print to make sure you are getting what you are paying for - there is a difference between vintage, antique and reproduction. Sometimes many reproductions are 30-40 years old (which would make them vintage.)

To draw the eye up the wall and connect my bedding to my DIY bed canopy, I decided to use a vintage 1970s plush red floral bedspread to fill the space. I also used an antique 1800s ecclesiastical french altar banner hanging from the ceiling to anchor as a focal point. My grandmother's lace curtains add extra softness that flow down to the floor. This is an example of an unexpected way to use tapestries and wall hangings. 

Learn more about symbolism seen the medieval tapestries:

The Unicorn Tapestries »

The Lady and the Unicorn symbols »

The Fruits and Nuts of the Unicorn Tapestries »

Symbolism of Animals and Birds » (Not particularly about tapestries, but more symbols found in churches)

French Silk Screened Tapestry Bathsheba at the Palace 16th Century Style Unused Serigraph Wall Hanging

1960s Rare Swedish Vintage wall hanging tapestry with an ancient Roman motif in blue, black and white.

1950's Greek wool bedspread that is used as a rug.

Floral Still Life Painting Tapestry is really grand and elegant

Beauty And The Beast Wall Tapestry Wall Hanging that is a mix of Moroccan and Egyptian 

This minimalistic modern fiber art tapestry is in absolute contrast to ornate medieval tapestries. 

French Millefleurs Tapestry The Dancer Silk Screened a Louvre Museum Reproduction

Old Suzani Red And Black Tapestry Bedspread

William Morris Needlepoint Tapestry Pillow - a different take on the traditional tapestry

I love how this vintage mid century modern velvet wall hanging is used across this bed! 

Vintage Plush Cotton Tapestry with deer is used in an unexpected way over a chair

Want something more mod? How about this Mid-century vintage wall tapestry from the 1960-1970s?

I HEART

My home is filled with odd things, and odd things I covet and collect! Having a fascination with anatomy prints, books and art, I thought I'd share some lovely March Medical Madness finds for the studio or just around the house

~ Discrete Gentleman Pt. 1

~ Vanitas - Set of 9 Ephemera Art Blocks- 1906 Anatomy and 1940s Floral Illustrations

~ Vintage Skeleton Handmade Lampshade

~ Inside My Heart Original Art

An Odd & Marvelous Home

It's official I'm saying goodbye to renting and welcoming of owning our first home. With only 8 days until settlement, I thought I'd take a breather and welcome you in to view our Nexus of Time, or what I like to call our 150 year old brick townhouse filled with obsessions and collections. I'm sad to see us leave and now it looks of shambles and a mess, it was a world filled with creaking rocking chairs and enchanting immaculate faces amongst the darker side of things.

We live in a flood zone, inside a brick townhouse that is connected to five other ones, our house is quite interesting, I've never gotten the full story but I've heard that it used to be an old train station. The odd thing that makes ours a little more special, is that there are engravings of names on the front wall. About thirty signatures and writings line the brick, one including a signature from 1938, one that reads worst house and even a signature from when hurricane Floyd came through. Coming upon the front porch you are welcomed by my rocking chair collection and whimsical flea market finds all that have stories to tell. One rocking chain in particular is from the Hale Byrnes House that was built in 1750, which happens to be right down the street. I snagged it one night after they put it out for trash pick up, a little hammering and it's brand new.

Inside, it is quite comfy and each piece is placed with thought. Don't be frightened by the vintage horror posters of the Texas Chain Massacre and Michael Myers staring you down. It is a world filled with different styles that mix together, ranging from comic villains to religious saints and heros. Bruce is an advocate collector anything monster related and I am an advocate collector of religious antiques; mind you, our collections have taken over the house. My obsession and superstitions include having a crucifix in every room and all my water fonts line the wall of the staircase. I am still afraid to take some of them down by the doors until we moving day. The dining room is where my cabinet of curiosity stands tall like a miniature museum. Originally a bookcase, it now features handmade relics in apothecary bottles and frozen memories all nestled together; one including a small dried flower from my grandmother's casket. There is a glass eye that looks up at you as you investigate tiny faces and my antiquarian anatomy book collection. Ahhh, a safe home filled with tragedy and romance.

The dining room, also features religious portraits with the sacred and immaculate hearts, our Jim Shore collection and this one haunting portrait in particular. As a wedding present, our good friend Gene gave us this interesting painting of a little girl in her first communion dress. Some may ask why so creepy? Whatever you do don't take the portrait out of the frame or she will come to haunt you! I know, so lame but I was really freaked out after Gene told us that fib. For a while I had thought our house was haunted and weird things were happening and then the painting came along and I was seeing her in corners at night, so freaked out, but now I'm ok with her but I will think twice about breaking that glass.

Upstairs features my studio, where many of my antique religious statues are kept and also vintage cabinet cards of infants, I adore them so and admire them as little angels watching over me while I work. The top floor is quite strange and badass all in one, you can admire a huge statue of Bela Lugosi's head as Dracula and also be reminded of childhood with a Skeletor statue. There is also a weird tiny room with a built in seat and window, very odd. One of my favorite rooms in the house is the bathroom, it is small yes but features my favorite portrait of a young woman holding cherry blossoms. I am just amazed at her beauty and she almost looks as if she is in a deep sleep. I've always thought of getting her tattooed on my body, but I know it will never looks as immaculate, so I will keep her frozen in time.

I find it very funny how Bruce and I's styles meet, I still haven't quite figured out all the styles he hates, but I did just find out that he hates brown other than wood. It was def fun when we visited the furniture store the other day, he has lovely taste and am looking forward to our new home together and making it our own.

You can view more images of my home at MY FLICKR, stay tuned for an upcoming blog that will feature pictures of our new house.

Sweet Touches For Your Home!

A home is not a home with out a little love and splendid touches that make it personal. Being excited about my first house my favorite thing in the world is figuring out the layout of the rooms and picking out paint color. Recently I've been on the look out for curious accents to sweeten it! Check out these unique finds ready to add character to any room:

~ Bring natural history into your studio or library with these Bird Skull Drawer Pull Cabinet Knobs made in nyc by Billy Blue.

~ A charming way to dress up any window, these Door Knob Curtain Tie-Backs from Urban Outfitters, remind me of the Winchester Mystery House, a curious door knob that leads to no where!

~ A touch of eerie and a pleasant reminder of Willy Wonka, this Weathered Hand Hook from Urban Outfitters is perfect to hang anything from necklaces to scarves. 

~ Letter N Custom Moss Door Hanging Initial: a pleasant whimsical accent to welcome people into your home, perfect for a nursery or green house. I really want to get the letter M for my soon to be new home.

~ Knock knock, who's there? These whimsical iron door knockers from Anthropolgie and Urban Outfitters! A Sly Fox Doorknocker perhaps or an Owl In the Moonlight Knocker, I'd love a custom werewolf but these are just as unique.

~ A touch of steampunk and romance, this Magnifying Sconce is made of iron and can illuminate a room while adding some character, complete with a magnifying disc of smooth glass.