TAPESTRIES & CARPETS
European-style tapestries are large decorative wall hangings woven by hand in a tapestry weave, often consisting of a central field and borders. The word “tapestry” actually refers to the weaving technique, not a particular type of textile. Many historic textiles are made in a tapestry weave including Navajo rugs, Kilims, and some Coptic and pre-Columbian textiles.

In order to hang properly, tapestries need a Velcro hanging system and proper lining. Before they can be hung they usually need structural repairs such as tabby reweaving in areas of weft loss, and closing of slits between color fields.

For a bibliography on Tapestry Conservation, and to read an article by Camille Myers Breeze, click here

Detail of a Chancay tapestry, ca. 1450

A conservator can make repairs to the foundation, pile, edging, or fringe of a carpet such as this in a way that is both strong and aesthetic. In some cases the best thing for the carpet is to place it out of traffic or hang it on a wall with a Velcro hanging system.


Carpets are made in many techniques such as pile (a supplementary knotted yarn like a typical oriental carpet), flat woven (a synonym for tapestry woven), and braided (a common way of using scrap materials to make a useful textile).


This tapestry has been cleaned, repaired, relined, and given a Velcro hanging system.

Through the centuries, a historic tapestry will be damaged and repaired countless times. This detail of a 17th century tapestry has faded but still has a powerful beauty.

Click on the links below to learn more about conserving textiles:

Asian Art

Historic costume

Tapestries and carpets

Samplers and other embroideries

Quilts and coverlets

Flags and banners

Heirlooms such as wedding and christening gowns

Pre-Columbian and other archaeological textiles

Architectural Interiors

Museum Textile Services
PO Box 5004
Andover, MA 01810
978-474-9200