History

The development of tapestry in France dates back to the fourteenth century. During this period, the weavers, who often were dyers at the same time, preferred to settle on the river banks. This happened also in Aubusson, a small town in the centre of France: as a matter of fact the river Creuse provided a water with such a quality and purity necessary and essential for the dyeing of wool.

History

Originally the weavers were grouped in family workshops and organized in guilds. In 1695, on the initiative of Jean Baptiste Colbert, Aubusson was named “Manufacture Royale”, to be later considered starting from the twentieth century the world capital of tapestry, and where nowadays the production continues mainly with a contemporary style.

History

This craft has been recorded during 2009 in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
At the origin of a tapestry, even before the weaver started to work, there was first of all a Cartoon, a true model in size and colour to the final work, whether it was a wall tapestry, upholstery or carpet.
The development of the art of tapestry is closely linked to those of the drawing and painting of Cartoon.

THE CARTOONS CAN BE CONSIDERED FOR THE TAPESTRY WHAT THE SCORE IS FOR MUSIC.