This tapestry was designed by Edward Burne-Jones, J. H. Dearle and William Morris and was woven by Morris & Company in their studio at Merton Abbey, Surrey, around 1895. The original tapestry was commissioned by William Knox D’Arcy to decorate his house, Stanmore Hall in Middlesex.

Inspired from the ancient legends of King Arthur, the scene represents the arming and departure of the Knights of the Round Table, among whom are Sir Gawaine of Orkney, Sir Lancelot of the Lake, Sir Hector de Marys, Sir Bors de Gamys, Sir Percival and Sir Galahad. The setting of the departure is outside the walls of Camelot, the legendary court of the realm of King Arthur. Against a background of a dark and perilous forest, the ladies of the court are helping to arm the mounted knights. On the left, Queen Guinevere is seen handing a shield to Sir Galahad, while to the right Sir Gawaine is prominent, holding a shield with a golden eagle.

The mille-fleurs (thousand flowers) in the foreground is derived from medieval tapestries, and was designed by J.H.Dearle, providing a gothic atmosphere to the scene. Although the theme is not intended to depict any particular period of history, the costumes are based on styles from the Middle Ages, the Arthurian legends having evolved over a long period of time. The figures were designed by Burne-Jones and the heraldry by William Morris. The original tapestry can be viewed at the Birmingham Museum.

• Tapestry Type    Loom Woven
• Woven in             Belgium
• Dimensions        67  x 105 cm,    100 x 140 cm,     135 x 195 cm