Largely thanks to their remarkable versatility and multiple historical references, we are seeing tapestries as pieces of art in homes and offices with increasing frequency.

There are of course world famous tapestries such as the “Bayeux tapestry”, “The Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry and “The Tournament” that are steeped in history and drama. Alongside some of these ancient offerings, there are far more modern examples too such as the delightful Beatrix Potter series. All of these examples, depending on taste and interest can make wonderful gifts for family members or friends.

The earliest tapestry examples are believed to date back as far as the 3rd century BC, although it wasn’t really until the middle ages, especially around the 14th and 15th century that these medieval tapestries had a popularity explosion.

It is thought that Kings and Lords would have these pieces of art commissioned and made for them by the textile artists of the time and as they moved around the country, because the tapestry could be easily rolled up and transported, they could take their favourite pieces with them to make them feel more at home in their new settings.

It appears that in the last couple of decades in particular, as more and more people have become conscious of putting their own personal stamp on their home interiors that tapestries have once again begun to enjoy a renaissance much like their tapestry counterparts from the renaissance era. “Hunters in the Snow” and the popular “Prise de Lille” (the original of which can be seen hanging in Versailles) are good examples of this period.

Tapestries Direct is delighted to reveal that both the Beatrix Potter Tapestry Cushions and the Cicely Mary Barker “Flower Fairies” series of cushions are officially licensed from Cicely Mary Barker and Beatrix Potter respectively. This ensures that each customer ordering these products will have the quality assurance that comes with the official licensing of these charming items.

If you look at something like the magnificent and action packed Bayeux Tapestry and then at something like the Flower Fairies tapestry cushions, you will have a perfect example of how diverse the art on tapestries can be.

Beatrix Potter is perhaps best known for her much loved books about animals and probably the most famous of these is “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, the story of a mischievous but loveable rabbit called Peter who finds himself in all sorts of trouble in Mr McGregor’s garden.

Well, now, you can recapture portions of these wonderful stories (such as “Peter Rabbit”, “Mrs Tittlemouse”, “Jemima Puddleduck” and “Benjamin Bunny”) with the help of Beatrix Potter gift cushions. Ideal gifts that can help create a magical appearance in any child’s room and pass on some of that Beatrix Potter imagination to another generation.

If you have a bit of “seafaring” blood running through you or perhaps you crave adventure and travel, then maybe our range of “Nautical Tapestries” will appeal and are available as both wall hanging tapestries and gift cushions. Vivid and colourful, “Galleon at Venice”, “Venetian Merchants” and Mappemonde (map of the world) could really bring your home a slice of history and geography all at once!

Monet is an ever popular artist, his work much sought after and much loved. Some of his all time classics are now available in tapestry form, such as “Monet’s Poppies”, “Monet’s Japanese Bridge”, “Monet’s Water Lillies” and “Lake Giverny”, giving you the opportunity to hang some of these glorious works of art in your own living room.

If you consider Monet a touch to contemporary for your taste, then perhaps a Van Gough may appeal more? Both his “Cafe Terrace at Night” and “Iris” are available in tapestry form through Tapestries Direct.

In fact, recreating famous paintings in the tapestry from is becoming increasingly widespread, with many well known artists featured, such as the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and some of his most well known pieces.

Are you a fan of Klimt’s “The Kiss” or “The Tree of Life”? Then please check out Tapestries Direct examples of these fantastic pieces of art, which are available in various sizes in order to suit different rooms and different requirements.

Perhaps a little bit of Art Nouveau is more to your liking? Then a series of paintings, now portrayed on tapestries, by Alphonse Mucha and known as “The Four Seasons” may suit you perfectly. Four painted women, each symbolising one of nature’s four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, each tapestry is striking and colourful.

One of the most well known tapestry examples is of course the series known as “The Lady and the Unicorn” and it’s truly a work of art and indeed a little mystery. With five of the six tapestries depicting each of the human senses (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste), the sixth in the series is one of the most debated in history, with many believing the correct interpretation to be “desire”.

Why not decide for yourself with the examples at Tapestries Direct?

If you want the ultimate in famous tapestries, however, then you should really look no further than the awesome Bayeux Tapestry. It is highly unlikely that many (or any) of you have a property large enough to display a full sized replica of this masterpiece, which is nearly 70 metres long but you can assemble a multitude of difference scenes from the original on individual pieces.

From the beginning of William the Conqueror’s and King Harold’s fateful journey along to the Battle of Hastings, through to the battle itself and indeed parts of the aftermath, it is quite possible to recreate the essence of the original if you so wish.

So, whether you are seeking to add a little bit of tapestry history (check out or informative section on how tapestries are made and how, when and where they originated) to your home or merely looking for something highly decorative and pretty, Tapestries Direct has a great selection of tapestries and gift cushions for you to peruse.