more uniquely idenitifiable, and more representative of their countries. Carpets were long being woven in the Irish town of Donegal, but in 1902, as part of the Celtic Revival, started to have a new, more exciting look that was more in keeping with Irish history, while at the same time emulating some of the motifs that were growing in popularity elsewhere in Europe.
Antique English Needlepoint Carpet – 10’ x 14’7”14’7”, circa 1920, #28000
incorporating some of the grand scale and design of the Aubusson style, or other French motifs, including paisley and fleur de lis elements. The English and French Needlepoint rugs would remain in fashion for some time, before giving way in time to the next artistic and aesthetic movements that would come to the forefront. ARTS & CRAFTS RUGS, AND THE EVOLUTION OF ELEGANCE With the interplay of designs between weaving ateliers from different European countries increasing in the 18th and 19th centuries, there were certain visual styles and aesthetic movements that became popular and rose to prominence. During the Victorian era, with the reign of Queen Victoria of England from 1837-1901, a more formal visual aesthetic came into popularity, based on the Queen’s personal style and preferences. Alongside the rise of the Victorian style, there was also the rise of the Arts & Crafts movement, which emphasized handcrafted goods with natural materials. This movement led to the development and popularization of Arts & Crafts carpets, which were somewhat similar in their construction to the Savonnerie rugs that were still popular in France, but instead of having grand floral designs that echoed palace ceilings,
the Arts & Crafts rugs featured floral patterns inspired by nature. This idea of a return to a more natural look coincided with a growing interest in returning to an aesthetic that was more defining of each country and its own cultural history. DONEGAL RUGS, AND THE RETURN TO RUDIMENTARY ROOTS With the flourishing of carpet weaving in France, Austria, Spain, England and elsewhere in Europe, the wave of revivals of ancient visual styles also spread to Ireland, with the Celtic Revival movement. The Celtic Revival sought to bring back some of the traditional visual stylings that were native to Ireland and Scotland, and which would help to make Irish and Scottish products
Antique Irish Donegal Carpet – 16’6” x 22’6”, circa 1900, #28300
The result was a dazzling series of rugs with plush, thick pile, similar to Savonnerie and Arts & Crafts carpets, but with a unique series of repeating designs, many of which would be visually reminiscent of the four leaf cover, and of other iconic Irish flowers and motifs. These varying European rug styles would continue to grow and evolve, and we will continue to discuss these rugs and many others in future InAntiques installments. All of the antique rug styles enumerated in this article are still popular in the United States, Europe, and beyond, and the world’s largest selection of these rugs can be found in a variety of sizes, styles, and price points at Persian Gallery New York’s user-friendly website, www.pgny.com!
Antique English Arts & Crafts Carpet – 13’1” x 20’3”, circa 1900, #28520
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