Société des Amis de la Cité de la tapisserie et de son Musée
Are you part of an association where you live? Isn't it true that you can find a group of like minded people — no matter where you are?
In February, I became a friend of the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie, Aubusson (International Tapestry Museum, Aubusson). I attended my first meeting with the Assemblée générale, or year-end report, learning of their 2025 activites and the new plans for 2026.
A tour of the new addition to the museum was the first part of the gathering.
I enjoyed the tour and the architecture, and came away with some new favorite art!
Although I admire the historic tapestries, I must admit that modern and contemporary works are my preferred styles.
Here is one by Jean Arp made in 1961:
Jean Arp, Nombril, 1961
The new wing, built for temporary exhibitions, held some of my favorite pieces. The architecture itself spoke well for the collection I was about to discover.
Design by Projectiles Architecture Studio
I do admire the technique of tapestry; did you know that when the color of a design changes, each colored yarn must be intertwined by hand?
Henri Laurens, Ruban, 1936
Created for the regional public library in Limoges, the tapestry below is monumental. It celebrates three literary figures with texts woven in Arabic and French, in rich blue and gold.
Rachid Koraïchi, 1998, Hommage à René Char, Michel Butor et Mohammed Dib (detail)
Tapestry is an extraordinarily labor-intensive craft, requiring a lot of skill, patience, and talent. On large tapestries, multiple weavers are weaving side-by-side; carefully coordinating their work and their wefts. This tradition has been created here for at least 600 years and Aubusson tapestry is proudly listed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list.
Oliver Nottellet, La Rivière au bord de l’eau, 2010
This wall-sized tapestry above — based on an original painting made with Indian ink and watercolor — has been a favorite of mine since I arrived in La Creuse.
Oliver Nottellet, La Rivière au bord de l’eau, 2010 (detail)
Oliver Nottellet, La Rivière au bord de l’eau, 2010 (detail)
The photos above are linked to related web sites if you'd like to see more.
I'd love to know — do you have a favorite tapestry style, modern or historic? Or one very favorite tapestry? Hit reply and let me know!