Preserving a Medieval Masterpiece: The Intricate Restoration of the King Arthur Tapestry
In short: The Metropolitan Museum of Art recently undertook a major conservation project for the King Arthur tapestry, a rare survivor from the Nine Heroes series. This video documents the delicate process of cleaning, stabilizing, and reweaving the fragile textile, which had remained largely untouched since entering the museum's collection in 1949.
Dating to approximately 1400 and originating from the South Netherlands, the King Arthur tapestry is one of the oldest pieces in The Met's collection. The conservation team—comprising Kathrin Colburn, Kisook Suh, Anna Szalecki, and Janina Poskrobko—worked to address the wear accumulated over decades. The project involved meticulous physical intervention to secure the wool warp and wefts, ensuring the structural integrity of the artwork.
Following the treatment, the tapestry was reinstalled at The Cloisters, where it is currently displayed in gallery 18. The work is part of a larger series known as the Nine Heroes Tapestries, which includes sections measuring up to 168 by 250 inches. This restoration highlights the ongoing effort required to maintain medieval textiles that have been part of the museum's holdings since their acquisition via the Munsey Fund in 1932 and a gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1947.
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