Weeks ago I took a train trip to Melbourne for the day to visit the Australian Tapestry Workshop. The workshop was one of the historical buildings open over the weekend as part of the highly successful Open House Melbourne. The main reason for my visit was to see the Brook Andrew tapestry 'Catching Breath' If you follow the link it will take you to the A.T.W. album showing the completed tapestry.
The tapestry was woven in two sections using very different weaving techniques. The veil is woven on a black wool warp, beaten softly to create a pixelated effect.
The main tapestry is woven in wool and metallic thread. One full pass of greys and a half pass of black or a paler colour. Creating a pixelated effect in the image. Stunning tapestry, worth getting up so early on a Sunday morning to go and see.
It was really busy while I was at the workshop, wonderful to see so many people taking an intrest in tapestry! This is the beginnings of John Olson 'Sun over You Beaut Country' Some loveley yellows dyed specially for the project.
In honour of a new John Olson tapestry on the loom, the gallery room at the front of the workshop featured samples woven for previous tapestries by the artist.
If you are allowed to have a favorite this is mine. 'Point Addis' designed by artist Angela Brennan. 1.08 x 2.04m woven for a private collection.
Detail of the 'Point Addis' tapestry.
Gorgeous colour blending.
You are allowed dream, I could imagine living with this tapestry. The owners are very lucky!
Design for HRH The Prince of Wales tapestry. ' Rufiji River from Mbujuni Camp, Selous Game Reserve, in Tanzania' There is an article on the A.T.W. website about the project here.
Video of weaving HRH The Prince of Wales tapestry.
I always enjoy the opportunity to visit the workshop at weekends. In the past visiting was restricted to holidays. Over the past few years there have been some wonderful projects to view. The two David Noonan tapestries, The John Wolseley tapestries and this Brook Andrew.........they just seem to get better all the time!
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