Project

Restoring the Cadmus Tapestries at Lyme

A woven 17th century tapestry that shows three smartly dressed men in front of a columned building. — A 17th century tapestry depicting 'Cadmus In Search of Europa' at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Robert Thrift

A rare 17th century Flemish tapestry has been restored to its full glory with thanks to the National Trust remedial conservation fund. After three years and 1,500 hours of specialist conservation work, the Cadmus tapestry has returned to Lyme and is back in its original position in the Stag Parlour.

‘Cadmus Sent in Search of Europa’ is the only tapestry of its kind cared for by the National Trust. The Trust looks after three ‘Cadmus’ tapestries with Lyme’s version being the only original Flemish example. The other two are later English reproductions of the same design.

This series of tapestries were produced by Michiel Wauters in Antwerp in the late 17th century. We don't know when they were acquired and brought to Lyme, or by whom, but it features in the Stag Parlour in a number of historic inventories and in historic artwork of the house.

A tapestry in need of repair

The main damage that tapestries like this suffer is from broken threads caused from continual use, insect damage and damp. Gravity acts on the weakest parts of the structure, gradually causing decay over time.

After being hung on the wall for over 200 years the tapestry was assessed at Blickling Textile Studio, it was then taken to the De Wit in Belgium for wet cleaning. Once clean and returned, specialist repair work was undertaken to restore areas of damage, loss and consolidate failing old repairs.

After conservation the tapestry was relined with a new backing material, replacement galloons were commissioned and installed ready for rehanging.

What's the story?

Tapestries in the halls of houses were displays of wealth and provided insulation and decoration. Biblical and mythological stories were common themes. The restored tapestry, the first to go away for conservation, is part of a larger series, three of which are displayed at Lyme; together they tell the story of Prince Cadmus, the founder of the city of Thebes. This Greek myth was popularised by the Roman poet Ovid in ‘The Metamorphoses’, a series of mythico-historical stories from the creation of the world to the deification of Julius Caesar.

In the tapestry you see King Agenor wearing a plumed turban and fur trimmed cloak pointing into the distance whilst his son Cadmus listens.

After the abduction of his daughter Europa by Jupiter, Agenor, King of Tyre told his son Cadmus to go in search of her, warning him that he would be exiled if he failed.

Find out more about the stories of the three tapestries by scrolling through the images below.

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A women in a red dress is taken away by a bull as depicted on a woven tapestry. — 'The Rape of Europa' Flemish tapestry by possibly Michel Wauters (d.1679) at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Robert Thrift

The Abduction of Europa

Ovid's Metamorphoses tells the story of the abduction of the princess Europa by the god Jupiter (also known as Zeus in Greek mythology) who disguised himself as a white bull in order to entice Europa away from her companions and carry her across the sea to the island of Crete. Cadmus, the brother of Europa, who set upon a journey to find her by their father, King Agenor of Tyre. The tapestry shows the king of the gods Jupiter (Zeus), as a bull charging in to the sea with Europa terrified and clinging on to his horns, with her red drapery fluttering in the wind. In the sky to the right are three cupids, one of whom has a ribbon that is tied around the neck of the bull. Europa's three companions stand on the shore distraught as they see her carried away.

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Cadmus Sent in Search of Europa

After the abduction of Europa, King Agenor sends Cadmus in search of his sister on threat of exile if he cannot retrieve her. Cadmus can not find her so appeals to the god Apollo for a home, through Oracle of Delphi, a high priestess renown for making prophecies about the future. The oracle tells him that when he sees a heifer (cow) unmarked by toil, he should follow it and found a city when the cow lays down. The second tapestry shows King Agenor (left, in blue) instructing Cadmus (right, in red) surrounded by formal gardens. To the right is the palace of Tyre.

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Two men making plans to built the city of Thebes depicted on a woven tapestry. — 'The Building of Thebes' Flemish tapestry by possibly Michel Wauters (d.1679) at Lyme, Cheshire | © National Trust/Robert Thrift

The Building of Thebes

Cadmus finds a heifer unmarked by toil and follows her. To give thanks to the gods for his good fortune he searched for fresh water for a ritual. He found a spring which belonged to a dragon who refused Cadmus' request and a battle ensued however all of Cadmus' men were slain. Cadmus sacrificies a cow to the goddess Minerva, goddess of wisdom, for aid. Minerva tells him to plant the teeth of the dragon. An army of fierce warriors sprang up from where the teeth were planted and fought amongst themselves until five were left. These men accompanied Cadmus to build a new home. The third tapestry depicts the building of Thebes. Cadmus (in red) sits under a tree with his shield on the ground beside him. On his knee is an architectural plan which he is discussing with an attendant (in blue). On the right of the tapestry, five men measure blocks of stone in front of a palace being built.

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Conservation timeline

April 2026

The Cadmus tapestry returns to Lyme

After three years and 1,500 hours of specialist conservation work, the Cadmus tapestry has returned to Lyme and is back in its original position in the Stag Parlour. Thank you to the Royal Oak Foundation and The Textile Conservation Studio for making this work possible.

Watch our short video to see how we rehung the tapestry.

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