History

The roots of needlepoint go back thousands of years to the ancient Egypt, where a slanted stitch was used to sew up canvas tents. Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who discovered the Tutankhamon tomb, also found some needlepoint works in the tomb of a Pharaoh dated 1500 bC. 
Modern needlepoint descends from the canvas work in tent stitch that was a popular domestic craft in the 16th century. As upholstered furniture became the fashion in the 17th century, this served as a foundation for embroidered works of art.


The name "Gobelin" originates from the dye works founded in the mid 15th century by Jean Gobelin in Paris, France.
A tapestry works started by two Flemish weavers, Marc de Comans and Francis de la Planche, called to France by Henri IV in 1601 , was later added. 
In 1662 , Louis XIV purchased the Tapestries manufactory and there Colbert united all the royal craftsmen, creating an upholstery and furniture works. 
Charles Le Brun was director and chief designer from 1663 to 1690.


The Tapestries was temporarily closed from 1694 to 1697, after which the works specialized in Gobelin tapestry.
Both low- and high-warp weaving were done until about 1825, when the low-warp power frames were moved to the manufactory of Beauvais; they were returned to Gobelins after World War II. 

The factory is still in operation today as a state-run institution


The factory has been noted for excellence of materials, dyes, and workmanship. 
Very famous tapestries from its looms include copies of Raphael's frescoes in the Vatican and 14 large pieces commemorating the achievements of Louis XIV. 

Photo: Manufacture des Gobelins
reproduced from  Wikipedia






More info at:
http://www.gobelino.net/gobelin-tapestry.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlepoint
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobelin


Trivia: What did Mary, Queen of the Scots, Marie Antoinette, Queen Elizabeth I and Princess Grace have in common, apart from royalty?  They have all been avid stitchers!