Castle Tapestry

Q. How do you hang a tapestry?
A. That is answered at our How to Hang a Tapestry link.

Q. What amount of a given wall space can a tapestry take?
A. You can use up to 80% or MORE of any given space. This is only a generalization. Just take into consideration all of the elements of the area in which the tapestry is going to hang. It is very easy to underestimate the size of what you are looking for. If possible you may want to do some "tests" with different size objects (sheets, newspapers taped together, etc.) to give you some perspective.

Q. What fabrics are tapestries made of?
A. Tapestries are made of a wide variety of materials, the most common being 100% wool or 100% cotton. There are, however, blends> such as: wool & cotton; wool, cotton & a synthetic; cotton & polyester,; linen & cotton, etc. The materials used help in making any given tapestry hang properly.

Q. So, if there are all of these different materials, which one is the best for my use?
A. Absolutely the best question! The best criteria for this gets to the basic issue of selecting a tapestry: theme, color, size. If a tapestry meets all of these requirements, the last thing to think about is fabric. In many cases you will be able to find a lot tapestries that are available in a variety of sizes. Additionally, there are a good number of tapestries that are available in a larger size in a wool blend and that same tapestry in a smaller size in cotton.

Q. What determines the price of a tapestry?
A. The previous question and answer are part of this answer. The determining factors are basically what it is made from and how it is made. As a rule, handloomed tapestries are obviously more expensive than any other process simply due to the man-hours it takes to produce one - and they are generally made of 100% wool. And then there are different types of stitches. A tapestry finished with a tight stitch - more stitches per square inch - is usually more expensive than a looser stitch. You have to keep in mind that this is really a generlization. There are other factors involved such as supply & demand of a particular design.

Q. Can I have a custom tapestry made?
A. Yes. But this is for very patient customers! Depending on the size of the tapestry and the intracacy of the design, it can take anywhere from 2-6 months to be finished. This is also a determining factor in the cost. But it is well worth the wait and the cost! A handloomed custom tapestry is a real joy. If you are thinking about having one made it is necessary to provide design, colors and desired sizes. Naturally, the manufacturer will not proceed until all aspects have been approved by the customer.

Q. Where in my house or business can I place a tapestry?
A. Generally, almosty anywhere but AWAY FROM direct sunlight. If this is unavoidable it is suggested that your windows be treated for UV (ultra violet); if not, the life span of your tapestry is seriously reduced. Due to it's flexibility, you may even place a tapestry on a curved wall. (See the first question.)

Q. Where are your tapestries made?
A. Lots of places. The best known, of course, are those in Europe that have been manufacturing them for hundreds of years - Belgium, France, and Italy. Today, however, they are being manufactured in many other places such as Eastern European countries, India and China. There are even some very nice ones being made in the United States!

Q. Is there a tapestry outlet near me?
A. Probably not! If there is they most likely will only have a few available. If you live in a major metropolitan area you may find one that offers more. If we find that we can't provide you with what you are looking for, we will be happy to direct you to someone who can.

Q. I have an old tapestry. Can you give me information on it?
A. Normally, yes. The best way,. of course, is to have it in our hands. This is sometimes possible but not usually.. If you have a picture of it, scan it and send it to us via email. It is important to give us all of the dimensions, any information that is on the back of it, it's condition and any history that you have that can help substantiate dating. See our Appraisals page for more information.

Q. I have an old tapestry. What is it worth?
A. Good question! There are so many varying factors that it is hard to set a dollar amount. But looking at the tapestry ask yourself the following questions: is the color good? is there any fading? are there any holes? is it lined and ready to hang? what is the fabric? what is the theme? All of these are determining factors. So, what is it worth? It's worth can somewhat be based on similar sized "modern" tapestries using the abovementioned guidelines. Who knows? You may have an antique handloomed tapestry! The likelihood is that you don't. We are happy to provide you with an "appraisal."

Q. I have an old "unfinished" tapestry. Can you make it hangable for me?
A. Yes! We have been doing this for many years. See our Sewing Your Tapestry page.

Q. Do you have references or testimonials for your tapestries or for the work you have done on customer's tapestries?
A. Yes. You can see these on our Testimonials page.

Q. How do I clean a tapestry?
A. It depends on the age and fabric. Most new reproductions can be either shaken or, in some cases, vacuumed. Older tapestries should be handled carefully, perhaps even taken to a cleaners. If you should have an antique, handloomed tapestry, please call us for more information.