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This tapestry’s true history is unknown, but features a family crest surrounded by flora, or verdure, that would have grown on the noble family's estate. This style of art is known as mille fleur, or thousand flowers, featuring a background covered with small flowers and leaves. It was purchased by the Bourn family from the J.P. Morgan collection and has hung in the Reception Room since.Label
The tapestry is likely Flemish, dating to the 16th century, and would have been used as a table covering. In the center, an unknown family crest is depicted, likely that of a knightly family, as indicated by the helmet above it. It is surrounded by flora, or verdure, in a mille fleur style that would have grown on the estate of the noble family. Mille fleur is an artistic style featuring a background covered with small flowers and leaves. The flora depicted would have been seen on the estate of the noble who initially commissioned this tapestry.
The first owner of the tapestry is unknown, but it belonged to the Sackville family of England for about 400 years before being purchased by J.P. Morgan. When he passed away, it was sold to the Bourn couple and has hung in the Reception Room ever since.
