In 2016, the Cité de la tapisserie moved to the former National School of Decorative Art in Aubusson (1h30 from Limoges by car). To the right as you come into Aubusson from Limoges, in its former life the building was a huge, grey, rectangular construction.
Today it is totally transformed. Grey has given way to colours; shades that symbolise the infinite variety of threads woven since the 17th century, in Felletin and Aubusson, combined with those of the big Douglas Fir pines from the surrounding Limousin forests. The result? A poetical façade that recreates a giant weaving loom right in the heart of town.
Architects from the Terreneuve Agency and scenographers Paoletti and Rouland left nothing to chance for this impressive project. Choice of materials, consideration for the existing structure, use of marble and shale, designer furniture, they wanted to respect the spirit of the school - that saw so many generations of enthusiastic students pass through its walls - and, with exceptional savoir-faire they did a great job.
But let's start the visit. Welcome to the Nave of hangings of 600 m² in one piece and 7m high. It allows you to immerse yourself in the different eras of tapestry, thanks to the original use of sets and theatrical techniques. Further on, a contemporary creation platform is offered to creators as well as an extensive documentation center open to all audiences. A workshop allows you to discover the essential skill of the weaver. The Mobilier National restoration workshop can also be visited and the 220-seat amphitheater, with its carpet woven in Aubusson, offers a program of conferences, and screening of documentary films to include in its agenda, not to mention the temporary exhibitions, the workshops, to give free rein to your creative imagination.
After creating a hanging made up of 14 tapestries and 2 rugs based on original illustrations by the famous author of Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien, the Cité's partner weavers began a new large-scale project in 2021. "The imagination of Hayao Miyazaki in Aubusson tapestry" consists of weaving 5 tapestries from images of Hayao Miyazaki's films selected by the Cité's technical team and validated by Studio Ghibli. The first trade fall took place on March 25, 2022, revealing the first work of this new tapestry, from Princess Mononoké. The live was widely broadcast - even in some trains in Japan, whose ambassador was also present!
La Cité is a true homage not only to this know-how but above all to the men and women who preserve it, adapt it, enrich it from the start, in a word, continue to bring it to life with passion. “Certainly, making tapestry in Aubusson is a sham! »
Cité de la tapisserie
16 avenue des lissiers – 23200 Aubusson
www.cite-tapisserie.fr
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