Woven Tapestry

Woven Tapestry is an in-depth practical guide to the technique of this unique art form, and to finding creative expression within it. Progressive exercises based on the authors' combined 50 years' experience are used to explain technique from making a first sample through to finished pieces. These are illustrated by over 400 specially woven samples and diagrams. The underlying principles are outlined and applied in a contemporary and creative way. Full-page images illustrate the qualities of line, colour, pattern and texture unique to woven tapestry, and the rich and exciting range of yarns available. Exercises in making and interpreting designs guide the developing weaver towards making individually creative work. Woven Tapestry offers the reader the technical skills and understanding needed to make expressive and beautiful work of their own. By working with several weft threads simultaneously, tapestry weaving becomes highly nuanced and is capable of complex imagery. Exercises in design show how to make use of the unique qualities that woven tapestry has to offer. The initial techniques are fundamentally simple and are clearly explained using only basic equipment and readily available yarns. The reader is encouraged to take time in learning, and to look closely whilst working. The continuous slow under over rhythm of weft passing through warp can promote a mental space in which to think and feel more deeply, and ultimately to create. Right from the first exercise there are creative choices to be made. By progressing to more advanced techniques, and working with many types and combinations of yarns, the expressive freedom available to the developing weaver soon becomes endless. AUTHORS: Louise Martin discovered tapestry weaving as an expressive language at university, and mastered its techniques whilst working as Senior Weaver on the medieval Hunt of the Unicorn series at Stirling Castle. Her work always remains faithful to the structure of weave, but looks beyond conventional boundaries. She has gained an international audience and has won the Cordis Prize for Tapestry in Edinburgh and the Kate Derum in Australia. Intensely personal and formed largely at the loom, Louise's work is often made in response to the landscape, from her native Isle of Man, to the Mongolian steppe, to Turkey, Iceland, Finland and the island of Westray. For Ros Bryant a chance visit to a contemporary tapestry exhibition in 1997 began a life-changing journey of self-expression. From home amongst the textile mills of Hebden Bridge she moved to Orkney where she established Northlight Studio, a busy working gallery and teaching space. 460 illustrations