Spotlight on Artist Edmund Blair Leighton

The Accolade Wall Tapestry

Edmund Blair Leighton (1853-1922) was the son of famous artist Charles Blair Leighton.  Edmund’s paintings focused on medieval scenes.  Leighton was born in London and attended the University College School.   He later went on to exhibit his works at the Royal Academy. Leighton’s was famous for displaying chivalrous and romantic scenes such as “The Accolade”, in which a Queen is honoring a knight by placing a sword over his shoulder.  In medieval times this was called the ritual of knighthood.   His legacy is that of an artist who had an appreciation for romance, morality and humanism.   Many of Leighton’s designs are now made into tapestries.

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