FDA-A.81:2-2013
Parts
Object number
FDA-A.81:2-2013
Object type
Identification
Title
The Adoration of the Magi
Star of Bethlehem
Star of Bethlehem
Title Type
Other name
Description
Tapestry; design shows a scene of the three kings, with the Virgin, Child, Joseph and Archangel Gabriel, in a setting filled with trees and flowers
Comments
This tapestry was woven at Merton Abbey.
'Of the reredos of tapestry, the centrepiece is the well-known "Adoration" subject by Burne-Jones, executed by William Morris, and is the gift of H. E. Luxmoore. It was placed in the Chapel in 1895, but used to hang on the south wall, facing the doorway, until 1905.'
[Source: An Illustrated Guide to Eton College / Eton Guide, R. A. Austen-Leigh, 1930, p.68]
This version of the 'Adoration of the Magi' tapestry was purchased for Eton College by Henry Elford Luxmoore (Eton Master and a ‘devoted disciple of Ruskin’) in 1895. Luxmoore’s name can be seen along the top of the tapestry.
This is the central panel of grouping of three tapestry panels.
The original cartoon for this central panel is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
The Latin inscription along the upper edge refers to the making of the tapestry by Burne-Jones and William Morris and its gift to Eton by Henry Elford Luxmoore in 1895.
'Of the reredos of tapestry, the centrepiece is the well-known "Adoration" subject by Burne-Jones, executed by William Morris, and is the gift of H. E. Luxmoore. It was placed in the Chapel in 1895, but used to hang on the south wall, facing the doorway, until 1905.'
[Source: An Illustrated Guide to Eton College / Eton Guide, R. A. Austen-Leigh, 1930, p.68]
This version of the 'Adoration of the Magi' tapestry was purchased for Eton College by Henry Elford Luxmoore (Eton Master and a ‘devoted disciple of Ruskin’) in 1895. Luxmoore’s name can be seen along the top of the tapestry.
This is the central panel of grouping of three tapestry panels.
The original cartoon for this central panel is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
The Latin inscription along the upper edge refers to the making of the tapestry by Burne-Jones and William Morris and its gift to Eton by Henry Elford Luxmoore in 1895.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 103in
width (actual size): 151in
width (actual size): 151in
Materials & techniques note
Woven in wools and silks
Physical description
Stylised foliage and flowerheads and with a forest beyond
Production
Person
Date
1895
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Commissioned for Eton College Chapel by Henry Elford Luxmoore; by whom presented to Eton College in 1895
References
• Marchier, H. C., History of the Merton Abbey Tapestry Works, 1927 (p.159, Plate 29)
• McConnell, ed., Treasures of Eton, London, 1976
• McConnell, ed., Treasures of Eton, London, 1976
