The Raphael Tapestries at the V&A

I impulse-booked myself in to see the Raphael Tapestries from the Sistine Chapel at the V&A last week (admission is free, but you do need a time slot). Until 17th October they are on loan and are being hung next to their corresponding cartoons which are on permanent display. I'd seen the cartoons before but seeing the tapestries right next by brought them to life. These things are huge - the room must be a couple of storeys high and it's needed, and the colours and gold thread have survived just well enough that you can imagine how imposing and impressive they were when first constructed half a millenium ago.

What should have been obvious, but came as a surprise, is that the tapestries are mirror images of their cartoons. I think I knew the 'front' faces down/out during construction from reading 'the Lady and the Unicorn' by Tracy Chevalier, but I hadn't thought it through. I've wanted to have a go at tapestry-weaving for a while but never got round to it (too many semi-skilled half-finished projects under way already - I need focus!) and this has made me think again. There was a 'taster' session on offer at the Knitting and Stitching show but I'm too late now - next time, perhaps. Although anything I make has got to feel unsatisfying having seen these. I fully recommend the exhibition if you get a chance.

Whilst I was there I popped up to the textile galleries. Most were disappointingly shut, so I couldn't pop in to see if 'my' needlepoint is back from conservation. But I did look at the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries, and I hope it's not disrespectful to Raphael to remark I almost liked them more. They are on permanent display so the room was pretty much deserted, and the colours have survived pretty well. You can also get right up close and see the weave, which is amazingly detailed. The scenes are just as you imagine from a children's book of medieval stories, with intricate headgear and flowing dresses, and little stories being told out all over each piece (what is that man doing groping that unenthusiastic-looking damsel?). Again, if you're in the vicinity, be sure to pop in. No photography was allowed in the Raphael room, so I'll post a pic of my favourite little dog from these tapesties below (this picture may not be used for commercial purposes).