About Flemish Tapestries: view the collection here

Flemish tapestries are woven in Flanders, Europe, using Jacquard Looms. These looms are modern versions of those invented in the early 1800s by Joseph Marie Jacquard. These modern versions still use the same techniques invented 200 years ago.

Even though the tapestries are machine-made, they are each individual due to the unique nature of their manufacturing process, and the natural qualities of the materials used. Most of the tapestries are made from wool and cotton, so retain the same look and feel as the originals, yet benefit from modern synthetic fibres to add strength and stability.

Each tapestry is carefully and intricately woven and are not just screen prints. They are bona fide woven replicas of original tapestry designs (many of which can be seen in museums all over the world or are kept in private collections), as well as some interesting new designs.

The back of each tapestry is lined with a cotton canvas, and features an information certificate - see picture for example.

Small and medium sized tapestries make great, eye-catching alternatives to hung pictures, and will certainly providing a talking point!

Please note that all sizes given are approximate. Due to the natural materials used in tapestries, and the weaving process itself, sizes can vary by up to a few centimetres on the larger tapestries.

Hanging Your Tapestry
The back of each tapestry has a tunnel sewn into it for easy hanging. Simply insert a rod (dowel from your local hardware store, cut to size will suffice) through this tunnel, then hang the rod on the wall, using screw-in-the-wall hooks.

Alternatively, we can supply decorative hanging rods - please ask for now - they will be added to our website soon.

Taking Care of Your Tapestry
Simply vacuum once or twice a year. They may be carefully dry cleaned, but make sure your dry cleaner has experience in this type of product.

Any creases that occur may be removed using a steam iron, ensuring you iron the back of the tapestry, with a piece of cloth in between the iron and the tapestry. We recommend you test a small area to ensure your iron does not damage the tapestry.

History of Tapestries
The first records of tapestries date back to 3rd century BC, with the discovery of preserved Greek tapestries. By the 15th century, tapestries had gained popularity all over Europe, with Flanders becoming the most important hub for production by the 17th century. In the 19th century, William Morris, an English born Artist, Architect, Writer and Socialist, resurrected the medieval design of tapestries, and set up a company producing many beautiful new designs, many of which can be found here on the Wye Needlecraft website.

All of the products you will find on our site are fully woven on Jaquard looms in France and Flanders, Belgium; we do not sell silk screen printed tapestries, nor cheap imported lookalikes. The majority of the tapestries are licensed copies of the originals that you will find in museums around the world including the Louvre, Metropolitan, Cluny. Pau and Birmingham Museum.

Regretfully, we cannot keep everything in stock. We can, however, deliver most items within 21 - 28 days or keep you updated with delivery schedules if there is a delay.

Some of the tapestries and products have to be specially woven to order and are therefore non-refundable. All sizes are approximate as the make up process has to allow for slight changes. This does not affect your statuary rights.