Benelux Enterprise Awards 2024 Most Outstanding Tapestry Collection 2024 – Belgium Flemish tapestries have a rich history that dates back to the medieval periods. These exquisite works of art were primarily produced in the cities of Arras, Tournai, and Brussels, which had become renowned areas for tapestry weaving by the 15th century. The craftmanship of Flemish weavers soon became known for being exceptional, revered for their ability to create intricate designs and vivid imagery. Flanders Tapestries is a company continuing the rich tradition of Flemish tapestry weaving and has been recognised in the Benelux Enterprise Awards 2024. Below, we speak with Joke Dekeukelaere, a spokesperson for the company. Wall hangings and tapestries now exist in all shapes and sizes, but in previous times, they were crafted to cover large spans of stone walls in castles to keep out the cold. In making such an impressive investment, nobles could display their wealth and power to their peers. Soon enough, tapestries became one of the major art forms next to paintings and sculptures. Each century preferred its own typical scenes, for example mille-fleurs tapestries were popular in the 15th century, whilst the 16th century was enthralled by scenes of hunting and games. “Let’s create a colourful world together!” For over two decades, Flanders Tapestries has been producing high quality tapestries that contribute to the rich tradition of Flemish weaving. The company specialises in the production of custom-made tapestries, translating digital files of artwork by contemporary artists. The tapestries are hand-crafted on Jacquard looms, ensuring durability and providing intricate details. Using only the finest quality yarns, Flanders Tapestries works with worldwide artists of all genres to create its unique designs. Each project has its own colour flag and unique approach, using 12 mixed-in yarns in weft and different colours in warp. In a creative industry, it is important to keep an eye on emerging trends and techniques. Flanders Tapestries tries to work with different materials that are popular in the market such as silk, lurex, and cashmere. “Maybe one day, we will try to weave with a mix of paper and other yarns,” says Joke. “If the loom accepts, of course.” Over the course of 24 years, the company has achieved great success in the world of tapestry weaving. “We always look back, with gratitude, to 1999,” Joke tells us, “where we collaborated with John Nava and Magnolia Editions USA for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The altarpiece was over 15 metres long and the walls are mainly covered in our tapestries. This was the start of our project production and ever since, we have only received more artist requests.” The company’s stellar reputation is upheld by three industry experts dedicated to preserving the tradition of Flemish tapestry weaving. The team promotes flexibility, opting to complete each step of the process and actively invest in their continual growth. Each member of Flanders Tapestries is driven by the prospect of creating new ideas and furthering the development of the company. Flanders Tapestries operates with the hopes that art will remain supported by the government, enabling individuals to express themselves by transforming messages into art. At present, Belgium is committed to fostering a vibrant cultural and artistic landscape, with initiatives and programmes such as the POMONA Art Fund providing support to the industry. Backed by the King Baudouin Foundation, the POMONA Art Fund provides grants to artists across all disciplines at crucial stages of their careers. With this approach, the fund hopes to create an environment in which the arts can thrive through the provision of project grants and a solidarity fund. As for the future of Flanders Tapestries, Joke tells us, “We hope to continue creating our own art, and someday have a small gallery of our own.” Such dedication to preserving a culture steeped in rich history has driven Flanders Tapestries to great heights of success. Flemish tapestry weaving is a practice that perfectly captures the artistic culture of Belgium, further highlighted and celebrated by the remarkable craft of Flanders Tapestries, who has been awarded for curating the Most Outstanding Tapestry Collection 2024 – Belgium. Contact: Joke Dekeukelaere Company: Flanders Tapestries BV Web Address: http://www.flanders-tapestries.com AIS-Aug24006
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