The firm used the best artisans from the region and natural dying techniques but also hired designers from department stores such as Altman & Co of New York and Liberty in London, to modify Eastern designs for the more restrained Western taste. In particular, Ziegler carpets adopted a softer and lighter palette than their vibrant Persian counterparts.
And what made them so desirable in the late 19th century is what makes them so coveted today.
Rare colouring
A good example with an attractive and rare pale turquoise ground was offered by Railtons (20% buyer’s premium) in Wooller, Northumberland.
Described simply as ‘a massive country house Turkey carpet woven with floral motifs on pale green field framed by orange border with floral medallions’ it was in relatively good order and an excellent size at 24ft x 17ft 7in (7.32 x 5.36m).
It was estimated at £300-500 on February 18 but sold to an online bidder via thesaleroom.com at £20,000.
