Tapestry is a hand weaving technique where you have a non continuous weft. Warp threads support the weft. It is the weft threads that usually supply the pattern - they go from weft to right!!
Humanity have been weaving tapestries since ancient times. You find examples in Egypt - known as Coptic with their use of eccentric weaving techniques and South America especially Peru. The Franco-Burgundian tapestries could said to have signalled the flourishing of tapestry in Europe. Superb examples can be seen at the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. I recently enjoyed a visit to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire which is festooned with tapestries.
The Art of Tapestry Weaving is alive today. I would recommend a visit to Stirling Castle who are coming to the end of an epic project to weave tapestries for the sumptuous refurbished Palace Apartments. The Dovecot Studios and West Dean are also places where tapestries are woven to commission.
You can learn the myriad of fascinating tapestry techniques by attending a course which are available throughout the UK. I would recommend attending one of the classes run by Louise Martin, Senior Weaver at Stirling Castle.
My own tapestries tend to be monochrome using a myriad of techniques such as eccentric weaving, manipulation of warps to give textural interest.
