The theme represents the departure of two of the Knights of the Round Table, from the ancient legends of King Arthur, being Sir Gawaine of Orkney and Sir Hector de Marys. Against a background of a dark and perilous forest, the ladies of the Court of Camelot are bidding adieu to the mounted knights, who are departing on their expedition. This tapestry was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and was woven by Morris & Company in their studio at Merton Abbey, Surrey, around 1895. The mille-fleurs (thousand flowers) in the foreground was designed by J.H. Dearle and is derived from medieval tapestries, providing a gothic atmosphere to the scene. Although the theme is not intended to depict any particular period of history, the costumes are based on styles from the Middle Ages, the Arthurian legends having evolved over a long period of time. The art of weaving tapestries had almost died out in England until it was revived by William Morris in the last quarter of the 19th Century. Commissioned around 1895, this subject represents the climax of the cooperation of Morris and Burne-Jones in the revival of tapestry weaving. This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Hines hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging. Composition: 95% cotton, 5% polyester Finish on reverse: This tapestry is fully backed with luxury cotton lining incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging purposes.