Tapestry: Lost art or just forgotten?

It's interesting to think that some time ago textile art—tapestry, to be exact—was one of the most prestigious art forms there was. Only kings and the highest-ranking families could own or commission a tapestry to hang on their walls. Not only were gold and silver threads woven into them, but they were also created with immense precision and often on a monumental scale.

Today, textile art is more commonly known as craft art. I’m not sure whether the reason behind this is the lack of preserved tapestries (we do have some, but many woven with gold or silver threads were burned for their valuable materials) or is it because tapestry stands in opposition to the fast-moving, industrialized world. Whatever the reason, textile art is no longer considered one of the most prestigious art forms. It is not even placed alongside painting, but rather somewhere much further down the list.

What makes this interesting is that textiles are not behind in terms of development. The textile industry has undergone remarkable innovation over the past 50 to 70 years, not only in production methods and fabric manufacturing but also in fiber development. The range of yarns available today is almost endless, and there is still room for growth.

So on one hand, we have more materials than ever to use in tapestry making and weaving, and on the other hand, the potential of the medium has not yet been fully explored.

I’m sure there is a place for tapestry and fiber art in today's market. I just think many people have simply forgotten about tapestries or don't consider them as the first solution for an empty white wall.

I also know that younger generations don't know much about tapestry. Many have rarely even heard the word—unless they’ve heard it in a Taylor Swift song. Yet despite tapestry's long history and cultural significance, it remains surprisingly absent from everyday conversations about art.

The medium itself has not lost its value – only its visibility.

At the same time, the faster our lives become, the more I see people searching for ways to resist that pace. They want to consume real things made by real people, from garments to works of art. And when it comes to truly handmade, slow-made art, tapestry is exactly that.

It is a reminder of stillness, patience, and focus in an increasingly fast-paced world.