Cornelius van der Strete facts for kids

Cornelius van der Strete (died 1529) was a skilled tapestry maker who worked for the English kings Henry VII and Henry VIII of England. He helped create and care for beautiful woven artworks that decorated royal palaces.

Working for the King

Cornelius van der Strete became the official "Arras maker" for King Henry VII in 1502. An Arras maker was someone who created or repaired tapestries, which were often made in the city of Arras.

Tapestries for a Royal Wedding

In 1503, King Henry VII's daughter, Margaret Tudor, was getting married. She was going to Scotland to marry James IV. Cornelius van der Strete was paid about £7 and 8 shillings to make or provide tapestries for her. These tapestries were likely simple ones with royal symbols or borders. They would have been added to other larger tapestries bought from different places.

Repairing Royal Art

In August 1511, Cornelius van der Strete and twelve other workers traveled to Nottingham Castle. Their job was to fix and line many royal tapestries. They also worked on table carpets and counterpoints (bedspreads). The tapestries included scenes of nature, called "verdure," and 96 pieces showing hunting and hawking. They used canvas to line the tapestries and woollen yarn to mend them.

New Designs and Badges

By 1514, Cornelius was still busy. He supplied new tapestries, including a set showing the "Labours of Hercules," for Mary Tudor, Queen of France. He also kept repairing older tapestries. He would add royal symbols like roses and portcullises (a type of gate) to new tapestries the king bought. In 1516, he earned twelve pence every day for his work.

Later Life

Cornelius van der Strete passed away in 1529. He left behind a legacy of beautiful tapestries and careful repair work for the English royal family.