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Boucher aux Alentours (the Croome Court tapestry room), 1758–67
General conception by Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713–1780), pictorial medallions by François Boucher (1703–1770), decorative surrounds (alentours) and some of the furniture covers by Maurice Jacques (1712–1784), the rest of the furniture covers by Louis Tessier (1719/20–1781); Woven in the basse-lisse workshop of Jacques Neilson (1714–1788) at the Gobelins manufactory, 1764–71
French
Wool and silk
Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958 (58.75.1-22)

George William, sixth earl of Coventry, commissioned this set of tapestries in Paris in 1763 for the tapestry room at his country seat, Croome Court (Worcestershire), which was then being remodeled by Robert Adam. The resulting ensemble was the first weaving of this design with a crimson background and it may have been the first made specifically to extend around all four walls of a room without architectural frames. The harmonious and decorative quality of the ensemble was enhanced by the provision of en suite furniture covers. The set, comprising twelve pieces of wall covering and thirty-three pieces of furniture upholstery, was delivered and in place by January 1771.


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  • Boucher aux Alentours (the Croome Court tapestry room), 1758–67
    General conception by Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713–1780), pictorial medallions by François Boucher (1703–1770), decorative surrounds (alentours) and some of the furniture covers by Maurice Jacques (1712–1784), the rest of the furniture covers by Louis Tessier (1719/20–1781); Woven in the basse-lisse workshop of Jacques Neilson (1714–1788) at the Gobelins manufactory, 1764–71
    French
    Wool and silk
    Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958 (58.75.1-22)