During recent research on contemporary Paris art exhibitions, I stumbled upon a Pierre et Gilles installation at Galerie des Gobelins. Being totally in touch with my kitsch side.., I decided this is certainly worth a visit. Little did I know that the gallery is located at La Manufacture des Gobelins, a tapestry factory since the early 17th century! Originally a dyeing workshop set up in about 1440, Louis XIV took it over in 1662 and gathered the greatest craftsman of the day, including Flemish weavers to create works for his palace at Versailles. Today weavers still continue to work in the traditional way but with modern designs. If you are interested in 17th and 18th century tapestries and want to engage closely with them and visit the fascinating factory space where they were created, this is the place to go! Another hidden gem and what a rich, fantastic history!
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