Behind The Loom: Australian Tapestry Workshop Tour
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to weave your story into a piece of art? If you love creativity, the Australian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne offers a delightful guided tour for anyone interested in tapestry art. This is not just about admiring beautiful pieces, but also about understanding the craft behind them.
We did the guided tour at just $10 per person, which we found to be of great value, detail, and inspiration.
The Australian Tapestry Workshop also has two galleries and a shop to purchase exclusive yarns, weaving supplies, and unique gifts.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility advice on Australian Tapestry Workshop
Exploring The Art Of Tapestry Australia
The Australian Tapestry Workshop is a premier institution located in South Melbourne, dedicated to the art of contemporary tapestry. Established in 1976, the Australian Tapestry Workshop has collaborated with a diverse range of both Australian and international artists to create over 500 exceptional handwoven tapestries.
The Workshop serves as a creative hub that promotes innovation and excellence in tapestry weaving, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship that defines this unique medium.
Visitors to the Australian Tapestry Workshop can explore its open studio space, bespoke Dye Lab, and two rotating galleries that feature curated exhibitions of textiles and contemporary art.
The facility is designed to engage the public, to observe skilled weavers at work and witness the dyeing process of over 368 vibrant yarn colours used in production.
Additionally, the Workshops hosts a variety of public programs, including talks, exhibitions, and tapestry classes that foster community engagement.
Related reading: 13 Free Walking Tours of Melbourne Attractions
Our Review
If you love craft, The Australian Tapestry Workshop is definitely an awesome place to visit. It is tapestry, but any craft lovers will appreciate the “goings on” in that building. We observed professional weavers from the mezzanine, about 4-5 people working on two enormous looms. They all knew how to work with each other to integrate the designs. An awe-inspiring sight to see.!
I also just absolutely loved seeing the colour range of in-house dyed Australian woollen yarn. The array of coloured yarn, shades of one colour all blending into the next colour, behind the tapestry workers, was an art form in itself.
We were also privileged to see the artists exhibition in the front rooms. The reception was a wall of colour with reels of beautiful coloured cottons for sale and I actually bought a small weaving kit for one of the grandchildren.
To get to this amazing place we caught a tram from Southern Cross to South Melbourne, then a short walk to 262-266 Park St. We were a little early for our booked tour so had a delicious coffee at a cafe across the road. This also had an enticing array of homemade jams and chutneys, and all 3 of us bought something to take home. A very interesting outing. I loved it.
– Terrie
What is a Tapestry?
If you’re wondering, “What is a tapestry?” we had the very same question!
Unlike embroidery, which uses a needle, tapestries are crafted on a loom using a technique involving warp and weft threads. This method allows for detailed designs and rich textures, creating a woven story. They are the interpretation of a painting and a collaboration between the weaver and the artist.
Dorothy, our knowledgeable tour guide, offered an insightful look into this art form. She explained that the Australian Tapestry Workshop stands out not just in Australia, but globally, for its capability to produce large-scale tapestries. The process here blends tradition with innovation, making each piece a true masterpiece.
The Art of Weaving: From Colours to Craft
At the heart of tapestry creation are the weavers. These specialist artists undergo a rigorous three-year training process. They work with an impressive palette of 370 colours, each with 6 or 7 different shades, ensuring that every tapestry is both vibrant and precise. The weavers’ skill is crucial, especially in blending colours seamlessly at the joins.
Our Review
Our Melbourne outings stir up all sorts of memories. This week our visit to the Australian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne brought thoughts of my Mum.
In her later years, my mother was a prolific embroiderer. I think I would’ve preferred that she knitted socks, but she loved cross-stitch and was, to my impatient eyes, legendary in her ability to keep at it… stitch after stitch after stitch until the most amazing pictures grew on the cloth.
Well, the skilled craft of tapestry weaving viewed in action at The Workshop is stitches ahead of Mum’s cross-stitch but, I’m sure, the weavers have the same tenacity.
From the mezzanine floor above the tapestry work area we were able to view that tenacity in action and discover insights into the amazing world of weft and web.
Our very informative guide explained everything tapestry as we observed 8 artisans working together at the same time on a huge loom, interlacing coloured threads on a very big and colourful tapestry. Stitching and rhythmically tapping bobbins for, what must be, hours is ultimately worth it as the end result is a very unique, and valuable, masterpiece.
Colour matching is imperative so the Workshop has its own Master Dyer. The wool thread, purchased from Geelong, is accurately dyed to one of the 368 colours available.
The Workshop building also contains two galleries featuring exhibitions of tapestry art which I viewed with new eyes after learning about the techniques and skill required to create them.
– Chris
What to Expect on a Tour of Tapestry Australia
Visiting the Australian Tapestry Workshop offers a behind-the-scenes look at this intricate process. During the tour, you’ll witness the transformation of a painting into a tapestry and learn about the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every piece. From seeing the looms in action to understanding the complex colour choices, the experience is both educational and inspiring.
Side Trip
Bundle up your outing with a visit to the South Melbourne Market, South Melbourne Town Hall and Emerald Hill Library, all nearby.
Located across the road from the Australian Tapestry Workshop is Barkers’ Foodstore and Eatery, which serves good coffee and sells gourmet pantry items.
Tidbits for visiting Australian Tapestry Workshop
- Tours cost $10 per person and run for around 60 minutes;
- Tour bookings should be made at least 2 weeks prior to your desired date;
- Book a Tapestry Workshop tour by calling 03 9699 7885 or emailing [email protected];
- Tours are offered between 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday (different from the public open times);
- Tours are available for groups of 4 or more (we asked nicely and were allowed a group of 3);
- Consider organising a group with friends, family, or colleagues to enhance the experience;
- Visitors are welcome outside of booking a tour during public opening hours Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm;
- While entry is free during public opening hours, a gold coin donation is appreciated. It supports the Australian Tapestry Workshop;
- Take time to enjoy the two small galleries featuring rotating exhibitions of tapestries, textiles, and contemporary art;
- Don’t miss the on-site shop where you can purchase exclusive yarns and Australian Tapestry Workshop merchandise. Also unique gifts like cards, kids weaving kits, jigsaw puzzles, and books;
Accessibility for Australian Tapestry Workshop
- The public galleries and shop are on ground level with no steps;
- On the guided tour, guests will climb a set of steps with handrails up to the mezzanine floor;
- Seats with back support are available during the guided tour;
- For mobility requirements, contact the staff in advance to arrange a viewing from the workshop floor instead of the mezzanine;
- An accessible parking space is located directly in front of the building;
- To prepare for your visit, an online virtual tour is an immersive experience of the Australian Tapestry Workshop you can undertake from home;
Getting There
- Catch the 1 or 12 tram getting off at Clarendon St/Park St just 200 metres from The Australian Tapestry Workshops. Check for other stops or routes before your visit;
- If you drive, be aware that parking is typically metered. On market days, parking at the nearby South Melbourne Market is free for the first two hours.
Australian Tapestry Workshop
Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
262-266 Park Street, South Melbourne, 3205
03 9699 7885 [email protected]
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