Fiber Arts News – Winter is coming…
Northern Ireland’s Game of Thrones Tapestry
For those who have once again gladly surrendered Sunday evenings to watching Game of Thrones… Wait until you see what Northern Ireland has created in honor of the show’s production there! Even if you never turn on your TV, this incredible textile is worth checking out…
The Northern Ireland Game of Thrones® Tapestry is a 77 metre handwoven tapestry that illustrates the epic sagas that have unfolded over the past seven seasons. Woven on a Jacquard loom and hand-embroidered in the tradition of ancient narrative tapestries, the characters, gods, weddings, deaths, battles, and locations of this mythical tale are commemorated in exacting detail. The entire piece is made from Irish Linen, produced in the last surviving linen mill.
Besides being wildly addictive with it’s weekly dose of intrigue, power-struggle, magic, and heartbreak, the show has also been celebrated for the incredible production value it offers. No detail is too small, (nor budget too big!), so each location and costume conveys a rich world into which the viewer escapes. Although much of the show is CGI enhanced (dragons!) there is an incredible level of hand-craftsmanship as well. As a lifelong seamstress, I can’t take my eyes off the wonderfully tailored costumes. The designers put so much care into the custom fabrics and thoughtful details, which add immense dimension to each character and reflect their status, personality, work, climate, and origin.
It’s a treat to see this modern phenomena of a hit show merge with an ancient art form in a celebration of history and craftsmanship. The tapestry is still being added to as the current season unfolds, and it’s on display at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. If you can’t see it in person, the website showcases the incredible craftsmanship of the tapestry and shares how it was made. The site is highly interactive and as you scroll through the tapestry you’ll discover rich details about the history and locations where the show is filmed. Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, this weaving is an extraordinary work of art – not to be missed!
