Christopher Legge, a specialist in antique carpets.
1 How did you get your start?
I learned to repair rugs as a hobby and after trying to make a living at that I discovered that I couldn’t make enough money to feed the family. I realised that becoming a dealer was the best way forward. So you could say it was a hobby that got out of hand.
A highlight that Christopher Legge is taking to the CADA Fair: An early Flemish tapestry panel dating to the second half of the 16th century, 4ft 11in x 3ft 4in (1.49 x 1.02m), priced £8400, which shows the Genesis story of Jacob meeting Rachel.
2 What challenges are facing the trade in the coming months?
The uncertain nature of world politics definitely affects consumer confidence. Young people’s tendency to reject the values of their parents has also left me in a position of mainly finding customers in my own age group, and we are a dying breed.
3 Have you noticed any collecting ‘trends’?
A highlight that Christopher Legge is taking to the CADA Fair: a Persian Tehran rug, 6ft 8in x 4ft 4in (2.04 x 1.33m), priced at £8500.
It seems the market for carpets has shifted from collectors of tribal and village rugs more towards buyers of purely decorative carpets.
4 Who do you admire in the art/ antiques world?
The late Dr Jon Thompson. He had an irresistible mix of a great analytical brain and a razor-sharp wit. We miss him greatly.
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
Neither. I’d go for cappuccino.
christopherleggeorientalcarpets.com
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