The theme of this tapestry is inspired from the ancient legends of King Arthur. Against a background of a dark and perilous forest, the ladies of the Court of Camelot are preparing to bid adieu to the Knights of the Round Table, who are about to depart on an expedition.

The original tapestry was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and was woven by Morris & Company in their studio at Merton Abbey, Surrey, around 1895.

The mille-fleurs (thousand flowers) pattern in the foreground is derived from medieval tapestries, providing a gothic atmosphere to the scene. Although the theme is not intended to depict any particular period of history, the costumes are based on styles from the Middle Ages, the Arthurian legends having evolved over a long period of time.

The art of weaving tapestries had almost died out in England until it was revived by William Morris in the last quarter of the 19th Century. Commissioned around 1895, this subject represents the climax of the cooperation of Morris and Burne-Jones in the revival of tapestry weaving.

Features

Tapestry Type           Loom Woven
Loom Woven In       France
Composition             95% cotton, 5% polyester

Dimensions

93 x 81 cm.         $1250.