Tapestries from the Burrell Collection

The magnificent collection of some 200 European, mainly medieval, tapestries acquired by Glasgow shipping magnate Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) is one of the largest and most important tapestry collections in the world.

Lavishly illustrated, this book presents comprehensive entries for each of the tapestries in the Burrell CollectionNew research by an international team of experts details how, where, when and why these tapestries were made. By analysing their raw materials and identifying the quirks of their weavers’ techniques, by exploring their subject matter and design sources, occasionally linking them with named designers and weavers, and by discussing their original patrons and owners, each of the entries unveils the unique treasures within the Burrell’s tapestry collection.This is an informative survey of medieval, Renaissance and early modern European tapestries, including key examples from all the major production centres, celebrating the medium’s significance and appeal for its original audiences. The collection’s remarkable survival, remaining together as a group, also provides an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the tastes, and the opportunities, available to an enlightened early twentieth-century collector such as Burrell, acquiring his tapestries during one of the most intense and exciting eras of modern collecting history.The catalogue is prefaced by an essay on Burrell as a collector of tapestries and another on the history of the maintenance and care of tapestries. Appendices provide details of the dealers from whom Burrell bought the tapestries and on other noted collectors amongst his contemporaries. Illustrated conservation essays, a full bibliography and an index complete the volume.The resulting work provides a record of a major collection which will become a benchmark for future research and interpretation of tapestries of the period.