Henry VIII's tapestry 're-weaved'

London, Apr 10 (ANI): A 500-year-old tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII has been returned to its colourful glory, courtesy an exhibition that uses digital technology.

The exhibition, which has opened in London, allows visitors to see the vibrant colours originally woven into the fabrics at the Henry VIII's Tapestries Revealed exhibition with the help of light beams.

It has taken six years of research to 'virtually restore' the faded threads for the Hampton Court Palace show.

The exhibition is part of a range to mark 500 years since the accession of the 16th Century king.

The tapestry is part of the Story of Abraham Series which was woven to celebrate the birth of Henry VIII's son, reports The BBC.

Researchers from the University of Manchester and Historic Royal Palaces spent years to calculate how much colour had faded from its fibres. The fabric's delicate nature means the calibrated beams of light can only be used in five short bursts a day. Kathryn Hallett, from the Historic Royal Palaces, said: "This project, the first ever 'virtual restoration' of a tapestry, will show how these magnificent works of art would have dazzled visitors to Henry VIII's Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace 500 years ago."

The piece originally cost 2,000 pounds in 1537 and took three years to be completed by master craftsmen who made cloths from wool and silk, interlaced with gold and silver thread. (ANI)