Lavishly illustrated, this book presents comprehensive entries for each of the tapestries in the Burrell Collection New research by an international team of experts details how, where, when and why these tapestries were made. By analysing their raw materials and identifying the quirks of their weavers’ techniques, by exploring their subject matter and design sources, occasionally linking them with named designers and weavers, and by discussing their original patrons and owners, each of the entries unveils the unique treasures within the Burrell’s tapestry collection. This is an informative survey of medieval, Renaissance and early modern European tapestries, including key examples from all the major production centres, celebrating the medium’s significance and appeal for its original audiences. The collection’s remarkable survival, remaining together as a group, also provides an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the tastes, and the opportunities, available to an enlightened early twentieth-century collector such as Burrell, acquiring his tapestries during one of the most intense and exciting eras of modern collecting history. The catalogue is prefaced by an essay on Burrell as a collector of tapestries and another on the history of the maintenance and care of tapestries. Appendices provide details of the dealers from whom Burrell bought the tapestries and on other noted collectors amongst his contemporaries. Illustrated conservation essays, a full bibliography and an index complete the volume. The resulting work provides a record of a major collection which will become a benchmark for future research and interpretation of tapestries of the period.

Table of Contents:
Forewords Duncan Dornan, Head of Museums and Collections, Glasgow Life Frances Fowle, Senior Burrell Trustee Authors’ Note and Acknowledgements Notes Essays William Burrell’s Tapestries: Collecting and Display – Elizabeth Hancock A Brief History of the Maintenance and Care of Tapestries – Sarah Foskett Hunting Birds and Beasts: Looking at Tapestries, a Conservator’s Viewpoint – Helen M. Hughes and Sarah Foskett Dye Sources Used in English Workshops: An Analysis of Early Tapestries from the Burrell Collection – Lore Troalen and Alison Hulme Catalogue of Tapestries Part 1: German, Swiss, Scandinavian and Dutch – Lorraine Karafel Religious Themes: Old and New Testament Scenes, Prophets and Saints Secular Life and Classical Scenes Floral, Armorial and Decorative Part 2: Southern Netherlandish and French – Elizabeth Cleland Armorials Verdures Pastorals, Country Pursuits and Folklore Mythology, Classical History and Post-Classical Legend Secular and Religious Allegories Episodes from the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Apocrypha and the Lives of the Saints Fragments Part 3: English – Elizabeth Cleland Appendix A: Collectors – Elizabeth Hancock Appendix B: Dealers – Elizabeth Hancock Appendix C: List of Exhibitions and Installations which included Tapestries from the Burrell Collection – Jenny MacLeod and Kirsty Hassard Appendix D: Sir William Burrell’s Loans to Museums, Colleges and Cathedrals – Lauren Greene and Kirsty Hassard Appendix E: List of Tapestries by Accession and Catalogue Numbers Bibliography Photographic Acknowledgements Index