After 7 years of work, the 16 works woven from Tolkien’s universe exhibited together for the first time in Aubusson

The Cité internationale de la tapisserie is exhibiting all the works created as part of the project “Aubusson weaves Tolkien, the woven adventure”. On display until September 30, 2024.

Initiated more than ten years ago, the Aubusson weaves Tolkien project of the Cité internationale de la tapisserie d’Aubusson ended a few days ago with the fall of the loom of the last of the 16 works woven from the original graphic work of JRR Tolkien (1892-1973).

The first tapestry came out of the Aubusson workshops in 2018, immediately arousing the curiosity of the public, and highlighting this know-how that had fallen somewhat into disuse. With Tolkien, woven art found a new lease of life and each fall of the loom became an event. “It suddenly became something astonishing, and then we moved from one tapestry to another, with a sequel. And that’s why it really turned into a woven adventure. It was an accelerator for the image and the rise of the International Tapestry City“, testifies Emmanuel Gérard, the director of the structure.

In total, 14 tapestries and 2 carpets, for a total surface area of ​​160 m², were made in seven years by the Aubusson weavers. An exceptional work that is obvious to the first visitors to the exhibition who, in addition to the works, can discover the cartoons, the samples and all the making of this incredible adventure.

This is the case of Théodore, a Swiss tourist and Tolkien fan, who took a break on his way to visit the exhibition, literally under the spell of the immense map of Middle Earth.It’s impressive to see that, I had the books so I could see the illustrations, but to see them on a large scale, and especially in tapestry (…) it’s really impressive“.

The exhibition is on display until the end of September. It will then be presented in Paris, before flying to Oxford in England, where Tolkien spent much of his life.

“Aubusson weaves Tolkien. The woven adventure”, until September 30, 2024
Jean Lurçat Cultural and Artistic Center in Aubusson. Every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (2-6 p.m. on Tuesdays).