Tapestry Weaving
At the London Guild we have a specialist Tapestry Weaving Interest Group. Tapestry weaving is distinct from other types of weaving: it’s done on a simple frame loom and involves creating design and pictorial images using a weft-facing technique. This can be done with a wide range of materials and many different effects can be achieved.
The Guild’s tapestry interest group meets either on Zoom or in person at the Burridge Gardens Community Centre Off Danvers Avenue SW11 1AR to discuss and practise new techniques as well as share what each member has been working on. In addition we share information about exhibitions, workshops and courses. There is a wide range of experience within the group: some members are experienced weavers while others are completely new to the craft. The one thing we share is a passion for creating our own designs using tapestry weaving techniques. You are very welcome to come to our meetings for a “taster session” prior to joining the Guild. Contact tapestry@londonguildofweavers.org.uk.
Any member of the London group of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers can join this group as part of the membership package.
See what's on →Learning resources
Morley College offers daytime and evening tapestry weaving classes, plus occasional taster and short courses, at its Waterloo Centre, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HT.
The Handweavers Studio and Gallery offers occasional beginner and advanced tapestry weaving short courses: 140 Seven Sisters Road, London N7 7NS,
The Tapestry Studio at West Dean College offers short courses and foundation, diploma and degree courses in West Sussex.
The British Tapestry Group has members who offer one to one tuition or workshops.
The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers organises a summer school every two years and one or more of the courses will be for aspects of tapestry weaving.
Recommended books
‘Tapestry Weaving’ by Kirsten Glasbrook is a good start for anyone who wants to begin tapestry weaving: Search Press, 2015, ISBN 9781782212041
There are many other books on tapestry technique and design, some of which are in the Guild’s library held at the Carmelita Centre.
Useful websites
The British Tapestry Group is a membership organisation devoted to tapestry weaving. It also has a useful page explaining what tapestry weaving is.
The Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh is a working tapestry studio and also holds exhibitions.
The Australian Tapestry Workshop
The American Tapestry Alliance is a member-run organisation of contemporary tapestry weavers of all levels of experience.
Facebook groups
British Tapestry Group members have a closed Facebook group.
The London Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers has an Instagram page londonguildofwsd.
