Jacquard Weaving
The modern method
of producing fine tapestries is virtually the same as it was when Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom in Flanders
over 200 years ago. Jacquard’s original loom used a series of punch cards
to streamline the weaving process that was done entirely by hand, making it faster, more efficient, and less labor intensive. This allowed more tapestries to be produced at lower costs, and afforded artisans
the ability to focus more on their designs rather than production. Today, modern
technology has been incorporated into the process to reduce labor even further, but it is effectively the same process as
that which Jacquard invented. Because this process remains virtually unchanged,
tapestries produced today are still unique pieces of woven art. The naturally
occurring variances in fibers, colors, and the manufacturing process enhance the beauty and uniqueness of each tapestry.
