REMINISCENCE AND REINTERPRETATION AN ALMOST-FORGOTTEN CRAFT

Context – origin

“Bildwirkerei”, the original medieval German term, means the working of images into woven fabric. “Bildwirkerei” denotes both the technique and the product. The piece then also takes the synonymous French term – “Tapisserie” (tapestry).

Context – history

Evidence of this craft dates back to ancient times. Traces have been documented amongst the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Incas and the Chinese civilisations. In the middle ages, the handcraft strongholds were situated in France and Flanders.

Knitting, weaving and pottery are amongst the oldest crafts in human history.

 Context – direction

“Bildwirkerei” flourished during the Renaissance era and millefleurs tapestries also emerged during that period.

‘The modern art of tapestry’ ties in with this and draws from the entire handcraft tradition and from centuries of creativity to manufacture contemporary tapestry.

Motif language, haptics and materials are translated and transferred, merging thousands of years of handcraft experience with the possibilities of the 21st century to create modern gobelin pieces.