Stunning Tapestry Back on Display @ Cannon Hall
17th October 2023
A historic tapestry, part of the Cannon Hall Museum Collection, has been conserved with the aid of a grant from the AIM Pilgrim Trust Conservation Scheme and with the help of donations and a gift in a will from the supporters of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.
The project, which cost around £25,000, conserved the beautiful 17th Century tapestry – The Judgement of Paris – which has hung in the ballroom at Cannon Hall Museum since it arrived in the 1950’s.
The tapestry has particular significance as it was the first item accessioned into the museum collection and has the catalogue number A1. It was part of a bequest made by Ernest Edward Cook – grandson of Thomas Cook of travel agent fame – who left his collection to the Art Fund to distribute as they saw fit.
This tapestry was woven in Brussels in the late 17th Century and shows a scene from the Greek myth ‘The Judgement of Paris.’ Tapestries were very popular at this time as they provided rooms with both warmth and decoration. At Cannon Hall Museum, it has been the backdrop of many weddings and special occasions.
Despite its immense popularity with visitors, it was in such a state of disrepair that it had to be taken down to prevent further deterioration. Conservation work included washing the tapestry, mending splits and holes and other areas of damage as well as lining the reverse with appropriate fabric to make it stable for decades into the future.
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust exists to support the museums and heritage sites in Barnsley in ways like this so that they can continue to be available to the public for generations to come. A great way for people to support the Trust is through a legacy gift given through a Will. Just such a gift helped us to conserve this fabulous tapestry. Every gift is welcome, whether it’s a modest sum of money or a small percentage in a Will. If you are interested and would like to know more, please contact info@bmht.org
