The Woven Legacy: Unravelling the History and Conservation of Mapperton’s Magnificent Tapestries

Tapestries have always been a fascinating blend of art and storytelling, and Brussels has long been at the heart of it all. 

The tapestries at Mapperton House are a shining example of this incredible heritage. 

In this post, I’m diving into the history of Brussels tapestry-making, taking a closer look at the stunning pieces at Mapperton, and discovering how they fit into the estate’s rich and layered past.

I hope that you’ll get as excited about tapestries as I am! Restoring the Mapperton tapestries is a dream of mine, and we’ve started that process!

So let’s get to know them a bit better.

A Brief History of Brussels Tapestries

Back in the 15th century, Brussels became a tapestry powerhouse, outshining other centres like Arras and Tournai. 

There were a few reasons for this, including its strong ties to the Burgundian court and an exclusive deal granted to the Brussels artists’ Guild of Saint Luke in 1476. 

This meant they had the rights to create those gorgeous figurative designs we still admire today.

The 16th century was a golden age for Brussels tapestries, with designs becoming grander and more intricate. 

Artists like Pieter Coecke van Aelst were key players in this boom, creating detailed cartoons (think of them as tapestry blueprints) that weavers would turn into breathtaking textile masterpieces.

By the 17th century, the influence of famous painters like Peter Paul Rubens was everywhere. 

His bold, dramatic style found its way into tapestry designs, adding that unmistakable Baroque flair we know and love today.

Mapperton House: A Tapestry of History

Mapperton House, often called “the nation’s finest manor house,” has a history as rich as its tapestries. 

It was first mentioned way back in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Malperetone,” owned by William de Moion, Sheriff of Somerset.

Over the years, Mapperton has evolved beautifully. 

The gabled north wing, with its charming twisted chimneys, dates back to Robert Morgan’s Tudor manor of the 1540s. 

Then, in the 1660s, Richard Brodrepp revamped the hall and west front, adding stables and a dovecote. 

Fast forward to the 18th century, and another Richard Brodrepp added a grand staircase and a lovely Georgian front.

Inside, the house is a stunning mix of styles, with intricate plaster panelling and fireplaces from the 16th and 17th centuries still taking centre stage. 

One of the standout features is the Tudor ceiling in the drawing room, with its heraldic lions and griffins—symbols of the Brett and Morgan families.

The Mapperton House Tapestries

Among all this history, Mapperton House is home to a fabulous collection of 18th-century Brussels tapestries, each with its own story to tell.

Dining Room Tapestry (370cm x 283cm; wool and silk)

This is the star of the collection, showcasing a vibrant hunt scene with dogs eagerly chasing a fox. The border is a feast for the eyes with its rich reds, blues, and yellows. Over time, it’s been altered quite a bit—cut into ten main pieces and thirteen border fragments. It’s seen better days, with holes, sagging sections, and broken threads, but that only adds to its character!

West Room Tapestry 1 (185cm x 200cm; wool and silk)

This beautiful piece features a watermill tucked away in the lower left corner, framed by floral borders pieced together from nine separate fragments. It has a lot in common with the Dining Room tapestry, which makes us think they might have originally been part of the same grand design. It’s showing some wear and tear, with sagging, warping, and missing silk threads.

West Room Tapestries 2a & 2b (2a: 75cm x 222cm; 2b: 208cm x 240cm; both wool and silk)

These two tapestries hang side by side but haven’t been joined together yet. They both capture scenes from a fox hunt, similar to the Dining Room tapestry but with a few unique touches. Tapestry 2a includes the watermill, while 2b focuses on the dramatic moment the dogs finally catch the fox. Condition-wise, 2a is holding up fairly well, but 2b could use some love.

Peacock Tapestry (70cm x 221cm; wool and silk)

This smaller but equally charming tapestry features a fountain with a proud peacock in the foreground and a little boy riding a fish. It’s made up of three joined pieces and, like the others, has some wear—especially in the peacock’s tail and the sky.

Apollo & Daphne Tapestry (168cm x 206cm; wool and silk)

This one tells the classic myth of Apollo chasing Daphne, right as she begins transforming into a laurel tree. It’s full of drama and beautiful details, with Apollo’s sunbeams and bow stealing the show. The piece has been altered and cut down over the years, but it still packs a visual punch.

The Challenge of Time: Restoring and Conserving Tapestries

Preserving historic tapestries like those at Mapperton is crucial to keeping their beauty and stories alive for future generations. 

Over the years, exposure to light, dust, and humidity has taken a toll, causing fading, sagging, and damage to the delicate fibres. 

Conservation helps stabilise these fragile textiles while keeping their charm intact.

Key Conservation Techniques

Conservators have a whole toolbox of techniques to bring these treasures back to life, including:

Cleaning: Gentle dry or wet cleaning to lift away centuries of dust without harming the delicate fibres.

Stabilisation: Reinforcing weak areas with carefully chosen materials to prevent further damage.

Stitching Support: Using colour-matched threads to fill in missing details and keep everything structurally sound.

Lining and Mounting: Adding new linings and Velcro to help the tapestry hang securely without sagging.

Why Tapestry Conservation Matters

Tapestries aren’t just pretty pieces of fabric. 

They’re woven stories brimming with history, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. 

Proper conservation ensures that their vibrant colours, intricate designs, and timeless narratives stay intact. 

Well-preserved tapestries also enhance the visitor experience at Mapperton, offering a deeper connection to the past.

The Future of Mapperton’s Tapestries

Our tapestry fundraiser is gaining momentum!

These beautiful 18th-century tapestries are in need of urgent conservation, and your support is bringing us closer to ensuring their preservation for future generations.

We’re starting this massive project with the gorgeous peacock tapestry, which has been up in the West Room for who knows how long!

(As you can see, those tail feathers need a little love!) 

You can learn more about all of the Mapperton tapestries in this video.

Every donation, big or small, makes a tangible difference in saving this important piece of history.

And we’re giving some incredible perks to our donors!

You can donate to the tapestry fundraiser here.

With the right care and attention, Mapperton’s Brussels tapestries can once again shine in all their splendour. 

Supporting conservation efforts—whether through donations or simply spreading the word—ensures these treasures are preserved for generations to come. 

So next time you visit Mapperton, take a moment to admire these magnificent works of art, knowing that each stitch holds a piece of history worth protecting.