Hanging tapestries, which had been in existence since the 8C to exclude draughts or divide up great chambers, became very popular in the 14C. The weavers worked from cartoons or preparatory sketches using wool woven with silk, gold or silver threads on horizontal (low warp – basse-lisse) or vertical (high warp – haute-lisse) looms.

Religious tapestries – Owing to their value tapestries were used as investments or diplomatic gifts; as well as those commissioned for chateaux or even specific rooms, some were hung in churches or even in the streets. The most famous is the 14C Apocalypse tapestry (see Angers).

Mille-fleurs – The mille-fleurs (thousand flowers) tapestries evoke late medieval scenes – showing an idealized life of enticing gardens, tournaments and hunting – against a green, blue or pink background strewn with flowers and plants and small animals. These are attributed to the Loire Valley workshops (c1500). Good examples exist in Saumur, Langeais and Angers.

Renaissance to 20th century Paintings replace cartoons and finer weaving techniques and materials render greater detail possible. The number of colours multiplies and panels are surrounded by borders. In the 18C the art of por- traiture is introduced into tapestry work. In the 20C Jean Lurcat (qv) recommended the use of natural dyes. Contemporary weavers experiment with new techniques and three dimensional effects.