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Tapestry
Tapestry is one of the oldest forms of woven textiles. For centuries these beautiful objects were among the most magnificent possessions of kings, princes and popes. Our collection ranges from medieval and Renaissance masterpieces to the finest examples of contemporary tapestry design.
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The V&A has recognised the importance of tapestry since it was founded, acquiring five important medieval and Renaissance pieces in the 1850s. The collection has grown to include many varieties of tapestry weaving, from fragments of Egyptian tapestry, to the magnificent Devonshire Hunting Tapestries, and modern works by contemporary designers, including Marta Rogoyska and Ali Salim.
Collection highlights
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(Detail) The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries, tapestry, 1425 – 30, Netherlands -
Pair of gloves, made by Sheldon Tapestry Workshops, 1590 – 1610, Warwickshire, England -
Chains, tapestry, designed by Archie Brennan, made by Dovecot Studios, 1974 – 5, Edinburgh, Scotland -
(Detail) The War of Troy, tapestry, 1475 – 90, Tournai, Belgium -
Pink Horse and Fried Egg, tapestry, by Marta Rogoyska, 1979 – 80, England -
(Detail) Chair, made by Georges Jacob and Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené, 1780 – 90, Paris, France -
Tapestry fragment, unknown, 1000 – 1199. Egypt -
(Detail) The Forest, tapestry, by William Morris, 1887, England -
Tapestry, 1680 – 1720, Peru -
(Detail) Animals by the Watering Hole, tapestry, by 'Ali Salim, 1985, Egypt
Features
What is tapestry?
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of woven textile
The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries
Four large and beautifully designed tapestries depicting the 15th century hunt of boars, bears, swans, otters, deer and falconry
The War of Troy tapestry
Explore one of the most magnificent examples of medieval tapestry in existence
Header image: Background image: The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries (detail), unknown, 1425 – 1430, Netherlands. Museum no. T.204-1957. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London