Historic Carpet Collection In Axminster Or Wilton Weaves

By Andrew Roberts


Since man first domesticated animals he has used their wool for weaving fabrics and rugs. With the advancement in machinery and technology these could be larger and more complex and patterns were introduced. Themes from nature and geometric designs have adorned carpets through the ages. There is now an historic carpet collection of these classic patterns which have graced palaces and famous buildings around the world.

England is the home of the carpeting industry. For generations there have been companies producing the finest quality carpets for royalty and public offices as well as homes. Flying to the UK and bringing back a carpet in your suitcase is not really viable, but luckily there are companies in the USA which can do this for you.

The best known weavers in the UK have carpeted palaces, state houses and even the White House. The reputation for quality and range of designs is world famous. The major players have over the years meticulously reproduced classic designs from Elizabethan era up to the modern day.

In the United States there are companies who have consultants that can advise on which of these designs from history best reflects the building or area where it is to be fitted. It might be that a unique design based on one from history would work best and using modern techniques this can also be achieved. The consultant will take the process from selection through manufacture right up to fitting.

Geometric shapes are amongst the earliest examples of patterns as these are easiest to weave on a loom; later flowers, leaves and themes from nature emerge. Colors range from soft pastels to vibrant hues and all these can be incorporated into the design. Carpeting made to order is easily tailored to the clients needs with regards size, color and pattern.

Quality carpets are made of the finest wool to either the axminster or wilton weaving methods. Axminster method provides the best definition of pattern like having a lot of pixels in a picture. The wilton method is one of the oldest machine methods and while the color palette is limited it can produce a range of textures.

Modern carpeting is often tufted (fibres sewn into a backing) rather than woven. This is because the process is easier and takes less time than weaving. While tufted carpets are cheaper that their woven counterparts, they are not as string or hard wearing

The most elaborate patterns were usually created via the axminster method and this holds true today. The wilton method is preferred for runners which are less intricate but need to be hard wearing on stairs on hallways. Wilton also gives the option of loop or cut pile. A consultant who works with the manufacturers in the UK will be able to advise on which best suits your project, such consultants and companies who import British carpeting can be found on the internet.




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