Lavishly illustrated, this book presents comprehensive entries for each of the tapestries in the Burrell Collection New 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.

A magnificent illustrated catalogue of all 200 tapestries acquired by Sir William Burrell, prefaced by insightful essays on Burrell as a collector and the history of the maintenance and care of tapestries.

About the Author
Elizabeth Cleland is Associate Curator, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Dr. Lorraine Karafel is an art historian and a writer. She holds a PhD in art history from New York University's Institute of Fine Arts and an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University's School of the Arts. She has written articles and reviews for Renaissance Quarterly, Journal of Design History, ARTnews and The Magazine Antiques and her book Raphael's Tapestries: The Grotesques of Leo X was published in 2016.


Book Information
ISBN 9781781300503
Author Elizabeth Cleland
Format Hardback
Page Count 736
Imprint Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd
Publisher Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 3944g
Dimensions(mm) 287mm * 240mm * 25mm