Roses Tapestry on loan to the British Library

Two pieces of tapestry from Winchester College, known as the Roses Tapestry, have been loaned to the British Library as part of their exhibition, Royal Manuscripts: the Genius of Illumination. This exhibition will mostly consist of books and manuscripts from the Royal Collection and runs from Nov 2011 to March 2012.

The Roses Tapestry was commissioned to celebrate the birth of Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII. The colourful red and blue design includes heraldic devices intended to evoke the Prince's namesake, King Arthur, and the overall intention was to celebrate the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster. Prince Arthur was born in Winchester on 15th September 1486 and christened in Winchester Cathedral a few days later.

Winchester College has owned the tapestry, now in 4 pieces, since the late 16th century and parts of it are usually on display in Chapel. This exhibition will provide the rare chance to see at close hand 2 pieces of the tapestry, in context with other art and artefacts of the period. For more details about the exhibition visit http://www.bl.uk/whatson/exhibitions/royalman/index.html.

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