The Holy Grail - with border

The second in the series of Morris & Co.’s Quest for the Holy Grail, this beautiful tapestry is formally known as The Arming and Departure of the Knights. Inspired by Malory’s famous poem, Le Morte d’Arthur, “The Holy Grail” shows the ladies of the court preparing the knights for their journey. Of particular interest is Guinevere on the left. She is handing Sir Lancelot his shield, a foreshadowing of their ultimate betrayal of Arthur. This particular tapestry was produced by Morris & Co. in 1895-96 after being commissioned by Australian millionaire W. K. D’Arcy for his dining room in Stanmore Hall. The original now hangs in Birmingham Museum in England. This tapestry is lined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.