English tapestry


Mortlake Tapestry, English, circa 1700 representing the month of March, woven in wool

There were several sets of the months woven at Mortlake and were based on Flemish designs originally woven by Gilles de Leyniers. The scenes were based on activities taking place during the particular month. 

In this tapestry a cow is being milked, butter is being churned and sheep are being driven to pasture. A series of eight was woven for Charles 1 when Prince of Wales with the Royal cipher in the borders. In the early 18th century the borders had less importance and were of narrow scale often  simulating picture frames. The  borders of this tapestry are typical  of the later Mortlake style. 

194 cm x 150cm