Description:
The series known as the Tapestries of Pastrana consists of four large tapestries of approx. 40 m2 each woven in the 15th Century in the Low Countries. They are an exceptional example of European heritage, firstly because of their fine and skilful completion -they are considered a masterpiece of tapestry-; secondly because, unlike other tapestries of that time, they depict a contemporary event: Alfonso V of Portugal’s conquests in the Moroccan coast. Also, they always had Spanish owners. Thus, the Low Countries, Portugal and Spain participated in their origins. This implication of various European countries, through their civil society and public institutions, is also present in our project: the curative conservation of the tapestries and their promotion for their better knowledge by the general public. They have been restored by a prestigious Belgian company with the financial support of Belgian and Spanish institutions; they have been displayed in Belgium, Spain and Portugal and will continue their international tour most probably in Hungary, Austria and USA; a book has been published in Spanish, Portuguese and English, and a multidisciplinary research project with experts from different European institutions has been initiated, which will result in the publication of a documentary. As a consequence of the project, the regional government of Castille-La Mancha has committed part of the necessary resources to improve the condition of the building housing the tapestries. Also, we propose this project as an example for the future discovery and promotion of other “jewels” of the European heritage, scattered in small or not so well known institutions.