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Full-Length Tapestries

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Title

Full-Length Tapestries

Description

1900? Two long tapestries formed from panels presenting fables of La Fontaine. About 10' x 18". Backed substantially. Gift of Gay Wirth of Wirthmore Antiques, New Orleans, August, '18.

In the 1980's I visited, among other New Orleans antiques stories, Wirthmore Antiques, specializing in French country antiques. I noticed two tapestries. I asked the owner, Gay Wirth, if she knew that these were representations of the fables of La Fontaine, and I walked through the fables pictured there. Were the tapestries, I asked, for sale? "No," she answered. "They are for now part of our décor. But I will be happy to get in touch with you when we change the décor." I was happy to look forward to that day! In 2018, I happened to be visiting New Orleans again. In the midst of an enjoyable visit, I wondered whatever had happened to Wirthmore Antiques. It turned out that they still were in business, though they had moved from their original venue. I called, and Ms. Wirth was delighted that I did. "Oh, Father, we had lost your name. We still have the tapestries. Could you come tomorrow?" I came and she laid out those two lovely tapestries that I had loved at first sight. Ms. Wirth said she was impressed with the fable collection and wanted to contribute the two tapestries! What a great gift! On the train ride home, when I needed to move to visit the dining car, I remember carrying the tapestries, nicely bundled at the antiques store, on my shoulder. I would not let them out of my sight!

Source

Gift of Gay Wirth of Wirthmore Antiques, New Orleans, August, '18.

Date

Collection

Carlson Fable Collection

Citation

“Full-Length Tapestries,” Creighton University Libraries: Archives & Special Collections, accessed October 16, 2024, https://creightonarchives.omeka.net/items/show/719.

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