March 18, 2014 3.24 pm This story is over 120 months old

400-year-old tapestries arrive at Lincoln Castle

Heritage skills: The work to preserve a set of Flemish wall-hangings that were hand-sewn in the 1620s will be showcased at Lincoln Castle’s Heritage Centre, as part of the Discover Lincolnshire Weekend.
Heritage Skills Centre conservator, Sophie Minnis, threads new life into ancient tapestries. Photo: LCC

The work to preserve a set of Flemish wall-hangings that were hand-sewn in the 1620s will be showcased at Lincoln Castle’s Heritage Centre, as part of the Discover Lincolnshire Weekend.

The tapestries, which show scenes of bygone rural life, have graced Doddington Hall’s Holly Bedroom since 1762.

Now, they’re in the hands of the Heritage Skills Centre – and the two conservators who are threading new life into the ancient weave.

Heritage Skills Centre conservator, Sophie Minnis. Photo: LCC

Heritage Skills Centre conservator, Sophie Minnis. Photo: LCC

The Discover Lincolnshire weekend (March 22 to 23) is a programme of free events and activities across the county’s top attractions.

At Lincoln Castle, visitors will be able to see the work going into preserving the tapestries, as well as learn create their own, free of charge.

Kathryn Banfield, Heritage Skills Centre manager, said: “We’ll have mini-looms for people to have a go at weaving their own simple patterns.

“This will give an idea of the skilled craftsmanship that went into creating the originals – and how long they must have taken to make.

“This is the kind of age-old talent that the Heritage Skills Centre is helping to keep alive.”

For more information about the tapestries or the taster sessions, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/heritageskillscentre, call 01522 541173 or email [email protected]