Member Reviews

Just gorgeous! This book takes us through the history of the art of tapestry making, and can serve as inspiration for your own crafts, a history lesson for art buffs or even just a feast for the eyes. Excellent coffee table book to leave out and leaf through!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This was a fun, short and informative read on the history of tapestries. Sheen writes well and the images that accompany the work are of a high quality. This is a great piece if you’re looking to understand the historical context and evolution of your craft.

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A fascinating look at the history of tapestries, with loads of information on every aspects of the creation of tapestries, tapestries in different eras of history, patrons and creators, and the resurgence of popularity in the 20th century. There are gorgeous illustrations throughout the text, allowing the reader a closeup view of the masterful works of art these pieces are. Any needleworker or textile artist will enjoy this book, as will art historians.

#Tapestries #NetGalley

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I really enjoyed learning about the history of tapestry from this book. As a crafter, it provides valuable historical context to the work I do today. The pictures were beautiful.

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A really nice introduction to tapestries from the Middle Ages to a number being done today. Good visuals and starting information.

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A surprisingly comprehensive history of the art form given its short length. A quick read and great introduction to tapestries.

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Makes a wonderful gift for yourself or somebody interested in textiles
This is a basic book but very informative. Having spend the first 18 years of my life in Flanders (Belgium) I always have been interested in the art of lace making and weaving. Examine a tapestry makes me always stand in wonderment of the details and perfection of the weave. Even with having previous knowledge of the makings and history of tapestries I learned some new things. Make sure you take the time to read the descriptions and then look back at the photo to have a better understanding. The book was well researched and provides references to other books.

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This short book is an absolutely enchanting overview of tapestries. The first chapter gives an outstandog overview of tapestry making. Although I have studdied tapestries, much of the information so clearly presented here was new to me.

The following chapters divide tapestries into historical periods, up to the present day. Each chapter has plenty of pictures and there is lots of information, including where to see many of the works. You'll see plenty of the most familiar works here but also many delightful but less well-known works.

I particularly loved the sections on artists working today. It had many beautiful pieces by folks I'm planning to seek out.

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I really love the details and illustrations in this book. Very happy to be allowed to receive an arc to revie. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Fascinating and well explained this is a book to refer to and enjoy for years.

Perfect gift for anyone interested in textile history, weavers and crafters will love it. I am impressed by the research for this lovely book, so much to learn from it.

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<img src="https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/api/collection/v1/iiif/467642/940931/main-image"/>

A thorough and richly illustrated book about tapestries set in five chapters:
- What is tapestry?
- Ancient and medieval tapestries.
- Patrons and creations.
- Renaissance heyday and decline.
- The modern rebirth of tapestry.

Below are one of my favorites tapestries featured in this book:

<img src="https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/api/collection/v1/iiif/201589/492326/main-image"/>

<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Morris_Cabbage_and_Vine_tapestry_1879.jpg"/>

<img src="https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/akhenatens-hymn-to-the-sun-by-ali-selim-detail-egypt-contemporary-picture-id152205193"/>

<i>*Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*</i>

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I voluntarily read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I really enjoyed this
It is a historical look at tapestries - loved how well the book was researched. It went into lots of detail
I really enjoyed the illustrations

I feel the enjoyment would be enhanced by having the physical book

Anyone interested in craft would be interested in this

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This book gives a short introduction to the topic of tapestries, starting in antiquity and reaching till the present, outlining the methods used in making them, their functions and their imagery. It comes with pictures of examples that clarify the topic, and I was suprised about how many of the images I already knew, despite thinking I don't know anything about this topic.

I feel like I just learned the most rudimentary basics and can go on now, if I want. This book not only lists suggestions for further reading but also places one might want to visit in order to view tapestries live and in person.

This book does what it sets out to do and what you'd expect from a work titled tapestries. If you want to know more about this topic, I'd say give it a shot.

I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Tapestries is a historical look at tapestries and the supporting industries from ancient to modern times. Due out 24th Dec 2019 from Osprey, it's 64 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).

This is a compact, well illustrated, well researched book on tapestries through history to the modern ages. The introduction covers definitions, materials and process, looms, dyeing, and other basics. The following chapters follow tapestry development roughly chronologically from ancient and medieval tapestries, through the socioeconomic background of patrons and merchants, trade fairs and commission of bespoke pieces of work. The renaissance and the decline of historical tapestry weaving leads on into the modern resurgence of tapestry work by modern artists. The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with woodcuts, photographs of historical tapestry, workshop illustrations, and photographs of more modern work through to gallery representation and working process photos. The book also includes a glossary of terms, links to further reading and information as well as links to exhibits and museum collections which can be seen by the public, and a cross referenced index.

This would make a superlative library book, fibrearts guild library selection, gift for a lover of fibre-arts, or reference for many fibre-crafters including knitters, weavers, embroiderers, etc.

Four stars. Very well done.

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