Displaying the Tapestries
After extensive experimentation with mounting and hanging tapestries in private homes and public spaces, I have identified two solutions for clients to choose between. A few principles are consistent for either way:
- The fringes are an integral part of the finished artwork. They reveal the simple structure of this ancient craft and the beginning of a tapestry: the modest-looking, grey warp threads attached vertically to a frame or loom.
- The tapestries are mounted onto a high-quality cotton/linen (50/50) bookbinding cloth. The grey background color enhances the tapestries, emphasizes the linen quality of the yarn, and mutes the fringes.
- I write my initials, BE, with an archival marker on the cloth below the tapestry.
- Due to the bookbinding cloth's texture, I do not handwrite the tapestry title on it.
- I write my full name on a small piece of thin canvas, which I stitch onto the back of the tapestry before mounting it onto the background cloth. Should the tapestry ever be detached from it, the tapestry has my full name attached to it.
Display option 1
- The fringes are an integral part of the finished artwork. They reveal the simple structure of this ancient craft and the beginning of a tapestry: the modest-looking, grey warp threads attached vertically to a frame or loom.
- The tapestries are mounted onto a high-quality cotton/linen (50/50) bookbinding cloth. The grey background color enhances the tapestries, emphasizes the linen quality of the yarn, and mutes the fringes.
- I write my initials, BE, with an archival marker on the cloth below the tapestry.
- Due to the bookbinding cloth's texture, I do not handwrite the tapestry title on it.
- I write my full name on a small piece of thin canvas, which I stitch onto the back of the tapestry before mounting it onto the background cloth. Should the tapestry ever be detached from it, the tapestry has my full name attached to it.
If the tapestry will be hanging in a public space, large or small, I recommend it being framed. It gives it more visibility in the room and protects it from accidental touching. I also recommend the tapestry being under glass to protect it from people intentionally touching it.
If the tapestry will be hanging in a private space, either option is acceptable.
If the tapestry will be hanging in a private space, either option is acceptable.
Display option 1
Tapestry mounted on bookbinding cloth covering a foam board
and framed in a wood shadowbox with museum-quality glass.
The process includes work by a framer and an engraver.
- After cutting the background fabric, it is glued onto an acid-free foamboard.
- The tapestry is attached to the fabric-covered board with a few stitches.
- Each single fringe thread is arranged and stitched onto the board. (Each thread requires four motions. A 9-inch tall tapestry with 35 knots on each side equals 560 motions.)
- The tapestry title is engraved onto an art title plate, which is glued onto the cloth below the tapestry.
- The completed board is framed in a shadow box, the depth being approximately. 2-3 inches. The four narrow interior sides are covered with the grey fabric.
- Glass is attached to the frame. (Preferably museum glass or museum plexiglass as they don't reflect the light. The type of Frame finish is chosen by the client.)
- The frame is hung on the wall with hardware for hanging attached to the back of the frame.
- A laminated sheet with essential tapestry information is attached to the back.
- After cutting the background fabric, it is glued onto an acid-free foamboard.
- The tapestry is attached to the fabric-covered board with a few stitches.
- Each single fringe thread is arranged and stitched onto the board. (Each thread requires four motions. A 9-inch tall tapestry with 35 knots on each side equals 560 motions.)
- The tapestry title is engraved onto an art title plate, which is glued onto the cloth below the tapestry.
- The completed board is framed in a shadow box, the depth being approximately. 2-3 inches. The four narrow interior sides are covered with the grey fabric.
- Glass is attached to the frame. (Preferably museum glass or museum plexiglass as they don't reflect the light. The type of Frame finish is chosen by the client.)
- The frame is hung on the wall with hardware for hanging attached to the back of the frame.
- A laminated sheet with essential tapestry information is attached to the back.
Display option 2
Tapestry mounted on bookbinding cloth
covering a bookbinding board.
Tapestry mounted on bookbinding cloth
covering a bookbinding board.
- Large bookbinding boards are professionally cut to a standard size, 18 x 15 in.
- Two boards are cemented to one in order to get the acceptable thickness.
- The bookbinding cloth is glued (with restoration glue) onto the board, then neatly folded over the edges and corners, and last glued down on the back.
- A few holes are drilled through the fabric and board, and the tapestry is attached with a few stitches.
- The back is covered with a chipboard sheet.
- The tapestry title, as well as essential tapestry information, is written on the chipboard.
- The back is covered with a chipboard sheet.
- The tapestry title, as well as essential tapestry information, is written on the chipboard.
- The board is hung on the wall with four L-pins.
Display solution for exhibiting in shows and galleries
Non-permanent, custom-made display boards.
I have developed a non-permanent, light-weight, and adjustable solution for gallery environments and hanging systems.
- The bookbinding cloth is glued onto a lightweight foam board.
- The tapestry is attached to the cloth-covered board with a few stitches.
- Hanging system/hardware is attached as required by the respective space in which the work is shown.
- These boards are for short-term display only and will be reused. The sizes of the tapestries might differ; thus, I do not write my signature on the cloth.
(From top to bottom: the titles of the two single tapestries are "Who by Strangulation?" and “My God, for You I search . . . in a land waste and parched with no water” (Psalm 63:2). The third photo shows tapestries from the series "Inspired by M'gillat Rut: the Beauty of Biblical Minimalism.")
