An exceptionally large Arts & Crafts carpet
Made by Alexander Morton & Co, at Killybegs, Donegal, Ireland. Circa 1900
26ft 2in x 13ft 2in : 798cm x 402cm
In 1898, Alexander Morton (1844-1923), who had a textile manufacturing firm, arrived in Killybegs, Co. Donegal, Ireland, together with an experienced weaver of Axminster carpets from Wilton. There they established workshops to make carpets, providing much needed employment both for weavers and for the sheep farmers who supplied the wool. Numerous exhibitions, organized by Liberty’s, promoted these carpets which enjoyed important patronage: King Edward for his own bedroom, Queen Victoria for Osborne, the Prime Minister’s residence and the White House, Washington.
Many of the leading designers of the time (Butterfield, Voysey and Knox) were contracted to supply designs. Gavin Morton (1867-1954), Alexander’s nephew, ran the company’s design department, the present carpet, as well as the carpets made for Dixcot, a house built in 1900 by Walter Cave for the wallpaper manufacturer Raleigh Essex, are after his designs.
The carpet, of exceptional grand size, is the largest we have encountered. The colouring, is typical for the period of houses built and decorated in the arts & crafts style, with dark painted walls, wooden floors and furniture, popular at the turn of the century. Also of note is the very good condition of the carpet. The architectural elements in the design allow the carpet to be used in both traditional and modern design schemes.
Price : P.O.A.
Share this itemPrint info/picture sheet
Arrange a viewing
Enquire further
