Belgian Decorative Fabric: "Tapestry"

Tapestries are thick woven textiles that have identical designs on both sides. They have been woven as early as the Egyptians. Tapestries use wool yarn for their designs because of their durability and natural insulating qualities.

The production of tapestries became most important during the Middle Ages. Not only were they status symbols for royalty and the aristocracy, but they had practical uses: providing insulation for castle walls, covering openings and giving privacy around beds. Most tapestries had scenes from the Bible or myths. In the 1500's, some 15,000 people were employed in the craft. The weavers got their dyes from plants and insects, with a range of only 20 colors. It might take two months for two skilled weavers to weave just one square foot of tapestry.

France was the center of tapestry weaving until war forced many weavers north to Flanders in what is now Belgium. Flemish weavers completed a twelve year apprenticeship.

The Jacquard mechanical loom was invented in Flanders in 1804. It mechanized the production of tapestries which made them more affordable to a wide market of people.
Source:
http://www.tapestry-tapestry.com/history-of-tapestries.html