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 DArcy 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. 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.

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. The figures were designed by Burne-Jones and the heraldry by William Morris.
This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Fleur de Lys hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging.

Features

Dimensions            157 x 117 cm
Tapestry Type        Loom Woven
Loom Woven         In France