Home Help: 21 June
In medieval times, tapestry was a popular way to tell a story – just look at the world’s most famous example, the Bayeux Tapestry. And it seems that it is again today. A set of large narrative tapestries named The Hunt Of The Unicorn has been woven by the West Dean tapestry studio, based in West Sussex. The tapestries recreate the medieval originals at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and will be on display at Stirling Castle in Scotland later this year.
And as part of the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition (runs until 18 August) 020- 7300 8000, www.royalacademy.org.uk – Grayson Perry has designed a modernday take on Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress. The scenes portrayed are influenced by his television show All In The Best Possible Taste, which explores issues surrounding class and taste in modern Britain.
So tapestry isn’t just for cushions; it is becoming a fashionable art form once again. Most of us don’t have the space to hang huge tapestries, but in summer, when the light is good, consider some beautiful, small hangings.
Ehrman has been selling tapestry kits for more than 30 years. Kaffe Fassett has produced colourful and contemporary floral designs for the company, while Magie Hollingworth has created lovely traditional samplers. All come complete with a printed colour canvas, wool, a needle and clear instructions.
I Love Cross Stitch is a website that includes starter kits for children, depicting, among other things, hearts, dogs, and a skull and crossbones. For adult beginners and improvers, the best short and full-time courses in the field are at West Dean College in West Sussex.
If you can’t find something suitable off the shelf for your home, try Tapisserie in London’s Walton Street. Send or email a photograph of what you want and they’ll give you a quote for turning it into a tapestry.
1. Bag from a selection of bespoke handbags and canvases ready to buy or made to order from Tapisserie: 020-7581 2715, www.tapisserie.co.uk
2. Le deux poules from a selection of bespoke cushions from Tapisserie: as before
3. Sunflower field tapestry kit from £32.90, by I Love Cross Stitch: 0844-880 5852, www.ilovecrossstitch.co.uk
4. Courses at West Dean College: 01234-811301, www.westdean.org.uk
Main image above: What A hoot counted cross stitch kit, £25 from I Love Cross Stitch: as before
Email your design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk
And as part of the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition (runs until 18 August) 020- 7300 8000, www.royalacademy.org.uk – Grayson Perry has designed a modernday take on Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress. The scenes portrayed are influenced by his television show All In The Best Possible Taste, which explores issues surrounding class and taste in modern Britain.
So tapestry isn’t just for cushions; it is becoming a fashionable art form once again. Most of us don’t have the space to hang huge tapestries, but in summer, when the light is good, consider some beautiful, small hangings.
Ehrman has been selling tapestry kits for more than 30 years. Kaffe Fassett has produced colourful and contemporary floral designs for the company, while Magie Hollingworth has created lovely traditional samplers. All come complete with a printed colour canvas, wool, a needle and clear instructions.
I Love Cross Stitch is a website that includes starter kits for children, depicting, among other things, hearts, dogs, and a skull and crossbones. For adult beginners and improvers, the best short and full-time courses in the field are at West Dean College in West Sussex.
If you can’t find something suitable off the shelf for your home, try Tapisserie in London’s Walton Street. Send or email a photograph of what you want and they’ll give you a quote for turning it into a tapestry.
1. Bag from a selection of bespoke handbags and canvases ready to buy or made to order from Tapisserie: 020-7581 2715, www.tapisserie.co.uk 2. Le deux poules from a selection of bespoke cushions from Tapisserie: as before
3. Sunflower field tapestry kit from £32.90, by I Love Cross Stitch: 0844-880 5852, www.ilovecrossstitch.co.uk
4. Courses at West Dean College: 01234-811301, www.westdean.org.uk
Main image above: What A hoot counted cross stitch kit, £25 from I Love Cross Stitch: as before
Email your design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk