Mortlake Lambeth London
Tapestries were certainly woven in England in the 15th century and early 16th century, though on a small scale. In the second half of the 16th century Ralph Sheldon (c 1537 – 1613) established workshops in Warwickshire, and probably London. Skilled weavers from the Low Countries were attracted to work for Sheldon and innovative designs were commissioned, including the famous Sheldon tapestry maps, as well as extensive sets of cushion covers and valences. In the 17th century important workshops were established at Mortlake on the River Thames, immediately attracting important commissions. From around 1620 Mortlake produced the greatest tapestries in Europe, including The Story of Vulcan and Venus, The Acts of the Apostles, The Elements, The Great Horses, The Hunters' Chase, and The Story of Dido and Aeneas. Production was disrupted by the civil war but work was revived with the restoration of the monarchy when new workshops were established at Lambeth. London continued to be an important centre with celebrated makers such as Thomas Poyntz (active 1677 – 1688), John Vanderbank (d1717), Joshua Morris, and William Bradshaw (d1775). In the 1750’s a short-lived venture was established at Fulham employing French carpet and tapestry weavers and some exquisite works were produced. The industry declined in the second half of the 18th century but was revived in the second half of the 19th century with the organisation of the Royal Windsor Tapestry Works in 1876 and the famous Merton Abbey tapestry workshops established by William Morris (1834 – 1896) in 1881.
Country Fair
Price on application
London Tapestry
After David Teniers II (1610 – 1690)
England, Early 18th Century
From the workshop of John Chabenex
10ft 4in width x 8ft 7in height
3.15m x 2.62m
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The Stapleford Park Tapestry
Price on application
The Destruction of Niobe's Children
A Highly Important Lambeth Tapestry
From the series The Great Horses
After designs by Francis Cleyn (1582 – 1658)
With the Arms of Edward Brabazon,
Second Earl of Meath
England, circa 1665
17ft 5in width x 11ft 5in height
5.31m x 3.48m
Provenance: Stapleford Park -
The Crocker Tapestry or Hunters in a Landscape
SOLD
Probably London, England, circa 1575 – 1595
15ft 2in width x 5ft 11in height
4.62m x 1.80m
