These photographs show a carpet that has been woven with a very tight loom accelerating the wear on the carpet with the middle of the carpet showing the most wear. After restoration with the use of equivalent wool and colouring, the carpet is shown in its original splendour, as though rebirthed.

The patterns of most rugs and carpets are governed by rules of symmetry. These rules enable a skilled restorer to reweave the missing parts of a rug.

What damage can be restored?

We can restore minor and major damage to rugs and carpets as the following images show. Even large holes can be restored to their original glamour. We employ a number of experienced restorers to restore your rugs, carpets and kilims.

These images show restoration and conservation work we have carried out.

This kilim shows a flaw common with black wool, in that it deteriorates faster than the other colours in the kilim. Here the black coloured strands have almost completely fallen out.

This kilim has been restored from wool that has been hand spun using wool of both light and dark tones. The thickness of the strands is also kept irregular to match the original kilim. The restoration has worked with the original makeup of the kilim and worked these irregularities in to match the colours and design of the original.

Antique Rugs, Carpets and Kilims

Antique rugs by definition were created over a hundred years ago. They portray the mystique of history, culture and craftsmanship of their makers and at the same time they are valued as pieces of art.

As with any art form there is always concern about restoration or conservation of a damaged item, the concern being "does the repair or restoration take away from the value or authenticity of the item?" As with any art work you need to have experts to complete the work.

This is the same with rugs and carpets. Many rugs and carpets are being used as they were intended and traffic over a damaged rug will cause deterioration at a much faster rate than would occur on a restored rug or carpet, hence the importance of having a rug restored or repaired while the damage or wear is minor.

Rug restoration and maintenance

If the method of restoration is not consistent with the original make-up of the rug or if the rug is incorrectly maintained, then the beauty and originality of the rug will be affected and will lead to the rug being quickly worn-out.

The restoration and maintenance of antique carpets and rugs should be performed by experienced craftsmen, as they have to use the correct and appropriate materials, dyes and other supplies.

The wool shown here has been coloured with natural dyes in red yellow and indigo blue.