The lost art of weaving

A peek inside Madrid's Royal Tapestry Factory, where an ancient craft finds new life

Julianne McShane's avatar
By
Published
Marta Soria, 34, checks her work on a mirror as she hand-weaves a tapestry.
Marta Soria, 34, checks her work on a mirror as she hand-weaves a tapestry on a centuries-old loom on Oct. 7, 2016.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Susana Vera)Unfortunately, a rich history doesn't guarantee a prosperous future. The factory has suffered several periods of financial strife and in 2015 nearly closed for good. With)

Jose Antonio "Pepe" Carbajal, 59, hand-weaves a tapestry on Oct. 7, 2016.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Susana Vera))

Artisans unfold a repostero on Oct. 7, 2016.
(Image credit: (REUTERS/Susana Vera))

(REUTERS/Susana Vera)

(REUTERS/Susana Vera)

(REUTERS/Susana Vera)

(REUTERS/Susana Vera)

(REUTERS/Susana Vera)

Julianne McShane
Julianne McShane

Julianne McShane is a student at New York University in the Global Liberal Studies program. She has interned at The Week, The Improper Bostonian, and NBC News. She plans to pursue a career in journalism after graduating.