The Uniqueness Of Bayeux Tapestries
Among the most desired tapestries of European origin are the category known as Bayeux Tapestries.
These tapestries are manufactured in Europe and are woven using jacquard looms. The edges are hand finished. Many of these tapestries depict 11th century medieval artworks and famous battles preserved on canvas by master artists of the period.
One of the most famous battle scenes depicted in these tapestries is the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror and the Duke of Normandy which are still seen today in museums located in various cities in Europe.
Bayeux tapestries were about 20 inches tall and 230 feet long. These were in the form or embroidered tapestries. Many of these tapestries were included in the inventory for the Bayeux Cathedral in the 1400’s. One tapestry entitled ‘Matilda’ was commissioned by the wife of William the Conqueror to be displayed in the cathedral. One account tells the story of how this famous tapestry was used by foreign revolutionaries as a covering for their wagon.
While Bayeux is referred to as ‘tapestry’ it is interesting to note that this was not a woven tapestry but rather a special cloth on which the scene was embroidered with wool on linen. This tapestry was made in several panels each depicting different facets of the Battle of Hastings which was lead by William the Conqueror. It is also interesting to note that while the soldiers carried shields none of them bore any crest or coat of arms. There real uniqueness behind the Bayeux tapestry is that it was embroidered rather than woven.