21.6.10

Manufacture des Gobelins

The Manufacture des Gobelins dates from the 15th century, created by the Gobelin family of dyers. During the 17th century it was taken over by the Royalty - Louis XIV. All kinds of tapestry and furniture for Versailles and other royal palaces were manufactured here under the supervision of Charles Le Brun, the major Royal painter at that time.

The Revolution stopped the manufacturing for a while, but it was resumed during the 19th century and the Manufacture is still in operation, run by the State.

Many old buildings remain, but the one which fronts the Avenue des Gobelins dates from 1912, replacing an older one which burnt down in 1871. This is where tapestries are displayed and which you can easily visit. It’s also possible to visit the old 17th century buildings … and the new added ones. Maybe one day I will do so and make another post.
Referring to previous posts about Square René-Le-Gall and about Lézarts de Bièvre, we can here again see the placement of the Manufacture and the river La Bièvre.
The day I made my visit, there was a temporary exposition of tapestries, normally presented in Spanish museums.
As said, the Manufacture is still in operation. There is a clear difference between the 16th century tapestries (with a close look, as the top picture) and the ones produced today – an example exposed is a Miró from the 60’s.

26 comments:

Owen said...

There ought to be a law against getting to have so much fun, stopping into fascinating places all over Paris !
:-)

Simony said...

Yes, you are a lucky man, Peter! To be close to so much culture and beauty! The tapestries are beautiful and grand! I would be very happy to own one, wouldn't you?
Take care!

joanna said...

Art and Architecture does not get any better then that well except add some music and a cafe and you have a perfect day in Paris.

The tapestries are stunning examples of intricate and beautiful works of art- love the muted colored fabric --

The buildings are beautiful and impressive as well, the shape of the roof top adds extra interest. Love the wide expanse of the interior and the detailed wrought iron stair case railing the large walls and high ceilings are perfect for hanging extra large tapestries. You would need an extra wide loom for that I would image - it would be fun to tour to see how they make/made them. The statues outside add a nice garden element to a grand building.

Sometimes I wonder why I am here instead of there in Paris...good thing I have your photos to look at.

Joanny

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Interesting piece of history! And wonderful pictures to go along!

SusuPetal said...

Interesting. Those tapestries are truly pieces of art.

Olivier said...

surprenante la différente entre le classicisme entre les tapisseries anciennes et celle de miro ;) superbe endroit.

Kate said...

Tapestries are beautiful and so fragile whether they are traditional and ancient or contemporary and modern. Thanks for the peek into the past, Peter.

La Bonne Vivante said...

Beautiful post, as always! Such lovely tapstries!

Ruth said...

A gorgeous place creating splendid pieces of art.

Thérèse said...

So much history in tapestries older or newer ones of course.
C'est fou le nombre de blogs avec comme sujet Paris, je viens d'apercevoir la liste dans la marge de droite! Mais vous restez les plus célèbres toi et Eric bien sur!

Capy89 said...

These tapestries are precious artworks and it's good to know that the Manufacture is still in operation through centuries!!

Starman said...

I've passed it many times but never went in.

Marie-Noyale said...

Le close up de la 1ere photo est superbe
Il y a si peu d'artisans de cette qualite these days!!

La Belette Rouge said...

The detail and workmanship absolutely blows my mind!

Parisbreakfasts said...

encroyable!
I saw so many beautiful antique silks in the shops in Lyon on Saturday...
I would enjoy this too I am sure
merci encore

arabesque said...

magnifique! ^0^ although, not a real fan of tapestries, i can appreciate how it's intricately done and still well preserved all these years. ^-^

Cergie said...

La fibre textile est certes plus fragile quze la pierre et du 16ème siècle c'est à admirer particulièrement !
J'aime le tissu le tissage la laine etc parce que c'est l'Industrie par excellence des Vosges (avec le bois) et mes ancêtres étaient dans la filature.

Unknown said...

Fantastic Gobelins! Great detail shots.

I don't know when you're coming to Sesimbra but the weather seems to be just great now! Lucky you! :-)

Starman said...

RYN: Yes, we'll be there in Octobre (I hope).

Mo said...

I love this less well known museum

Catherine said...

I wish I could have joined you.
La tapisserie....mon rêve !

Virginia said...

Glad you got to see this lovely place as well. I had a difficult time trying to photograph the large pieces. You did a good job of it with that new camera! :)
An amazing place .
V

Trotter said...

Never been to this one... But we have now in Lisbon an exhibition of the four Pastrana Tapestries made in Tournay depicting the Moroccan campaigns of the Portuguese King Afonso V. Stunning!!

Nathalie H.D. said...

What? I read from V's comment that you have a new camera? Did you just upgrade to the Canon G11 or have you moved on to a different camera altogether?

Nathalie H.D. said...

J'adore les détails de tapisserie - la finesse des textures, des motifs et des couleurs est très émouvante.

Jilly said...

These tapestries are fabulous. I just adore tapestries and you show them so beautifully. You are one talented guy, Peter, dammit!