Monday 24 June 2013

Tapestry time

vintage 70s wallhanging


When I had time to have a good look through that haul of school library books I mentioned, the first thing that caught my eye was this splendid wallhanging.

And it struck me how rarely I see this type of textile art these days, although I do know for a fact that, as well as a mini one in my flat, there are a few cosifying the walls of a Swedish bakery in London and a restaurant on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, like rugs on a wooden floor.

Appliquéd in linen and felt, rather than woven, the tapestry above is taken from a book with one of the best ever covers:

wallhanging fun cover
First English-language edition, 1970 (Batsford)
And the back ain't bad either:

wallhanging cover back


By and large consigned to dustbins and attics c1979, I think it's time for a wallhanging revival – and if you'd like to join me, I bring you (free) instructions for the wondrous wall warmer at the top of the post. You're welcome!

8 comments:

  1. Love your blog, and thanks for the instructions!

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  2. tapestries are definitely making a comeback, at least in our apartment anyway - we had such a terrible echo without wall coverings. we've been given a lovely 60s one that's on our living room wall, and the other two we thrifted are being used as rugs on the floor. luckily here they are very available in flea markets, but usually at a hefty price - there's a lot of yarn, wool and work involved to make one... i love the tapestry in that restaurant, amazing!

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    1. Aniko, I can just picture the scene - very Scandinavian (if Finland is Scandinavia?)! xxx

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    2. everybody always says that Finland is not scandi, which is true in some ways (it's has some eastern european feel to it too, influences of russia) but it's a lot like sweden or iceland too. when are you coming to Finland? if you are definitely let me know and we go thrifting :) xx

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    3. Soon hopefully, sounds like heaven! xx

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  3. i love that bird on the cover...i would love to see more of what's inside that book !

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    1. Me too! I will hopefully share some more of the lovely bird book stuff soon xx

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