96 DERBYSHIRE TAPESTRY. 



abeyance : the beautiful textures were not sufficiently appreciated, 

 and so the works declined* 



It is to the efforts made by Government in connection with 

 the School of Art at South Kensington, that we must attribute 

 the wonderful advance in the appreciation of art in its highest 

 endeavours of late years. 



Whilst our country is being studded with mansions of meri- 

 torious design, their interior decoration has not been forgotten, 

 and the choicest works of ancient and modern times now grace 

 the homes of the wealthy. 



Tapestry, so long neglected, is once more in the ascendant, 

 and now forms a warm and welcome covering to lofty, chilly 

 walls so long abandoned to incongruous cheapness, and the 

 motley miscellanea of china shops and bazaars, which now so 

 often do duty for suitable mural decorations. 



It is to Mr. William Morris, of the eminent firm of Morris 

 & Co., 469, Oxford Street, the well-known artist and distinguished 

 scholar and critic, that England is indebted for the revival of 

 this art. 



Three looms, the property of Messrs. W. Morris and Co., are 

 now at work at Merton Abbey by Wimbledon, in Surrey, under 

 the management and supervision of Mr. Dearie. 



* We are indebted to Mr. Austen Moore, of the Merton Abbey Works, 

 for the following very valuable particulars of the tapestry works at Old 

 Windsor. 



" These works were commenced by Monsieur Henri. Afterwards, however, 

 they existed under a company, with the Duke of Albany as president of tlie 

 committee. The principal weavers were Messieurs Jean Fuussacier, Louis 

 Foussadier, Jean Biunand, George Elliman, William Haines, and F. Dolman. 

 The chief Tapestry productions were : 



" ' The Battle of Aylsford.' 



" 'The men of Kent marching before Harold's Army.' 



" ' The Four Seasons.' " 



Four Panels executed for the London Corporation, viz. : — 



I. — Tournament on London Bridge. 



2. — Queen Elizabeth opening the Royal Exchange. 



3. — The City Champion receiving the City's Banner on the steps of Old 

 S. Paul's. 



4. — The Queen's Visit to the Mansion House in the Jubilee Year, 1887. 



