We are approaching a really exciting time in weaving the series of tapestries. Visitors can see four of them looking splendid, already hanging in the palace; the fifth to be completed, ‘The Unicorn at Bay’ has been cut off the loom  The team at West Dean Studio are making excellent progress on the sixth tapestry which will be completed next year.

We had a fantastic celebration to cut the tapestry off the loom.  Many of the loyal followers of the project,  who had seen the progress over time, attended to finally see the finished product. Visitors to the castle can still see the tapestry in its full glory in the studio before it is hung in the Palace in the autumn.


             

In the Stirling workshop we now are starting on ‘The Mystic Hunt of the Unicorn.’
Unlike the others so far, this is not a replica of a full panel. It is based on two surviving sections of the tapestry showing a single huntsman; parts of four dogs, and central figure and the Unicorn amongst a forest of trees. Eagled eyed visitors may also spot a coloured sleeve just under the Unicorn’s chin.

This is the most challenging part of the project  because from this we have had to research and design the surrounding area to make it the same length as the others so that they are uniform when they are hanging in series.

As a reference, we have used  design books from around the period that contain the popular motifs each of which has a specific meaning. The appreciation of  tapestries in the 16th Century was about interpreting the symbolism as well as enjoying the intricate and beautiful workmanship.

Louise Martin, senior weaver