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Tapestry
Plan a visitTapestry is one of the oldest forms of woven textiles. For centuries these beautiful objects were among the most magnificent possessions of kings, princes and popes. Our collection ranges from medieval and Renaissance masterpieces to the finest examples of contemporary tapestry design.
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The V&A has recognised the importance of tapestry since it was founded, acquiring five important medieval and Renaissance pieces in the 1850s. The collection has grown to include many varieties of tapestry weaving, from fragments of Egyptian tapestry, to the magnificent Devonshire Hunting Tapestries, and modern works by contemporary designers, including Marta Rogoyska and Ali Salim.
Collection Highlights
Features
What is tapestry?
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of woven textile
The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries
Four large and beautifully designed tapestries depicting the 15th century hunt of boars, bears, swans, otters, deer and falconry
The story of the Raphael Cartoons
Discover the fascinating story of how the cartoons were created and how they have survived to today
The War of Troy tapestry
Explore one of the most magnificent examples of medieval tapestry in existence
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Background image: Background image: The Devonshire Hunting Tapestries (detail), unknown, 1425 – 1430, Netherlands. Museum no. T.204-1957. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London