and rather complex. Most will recognise this technique as it is
readily available in many of the UKâs high street stores.
The final technique of rug weaving which is less common
is made with a Jacquard loom. Housed in vast sheds their
atmospheres loud with movement these huge 100-year-old
looms are strung with myriad threads. They enable more
complex weave structures to be achieved through their many
shafts and programmable punch cards. These machines are
the precursor to our modern computers and are awe-inspiring
to see in action. Once the rugs are complete they are cut o
the looms trimmed edges bound washed stretched and
finished carefully by hand ensuring there are no faults. A man
crouching in a yoga pose trims loose threads and sweeps them
away giving the rug a final close look. Its surface is flawless.
This particular rug producer is highly dedicated to
his business and his weavers and as they gather in their
workshops overlooking the central garden of the factory there
seems a real sense of pride among them. He explains that once
they join his 4500 strong workforce they tend to stay for
life. A process of improvement and innovation is happening
here: a constant search for better techniques end products
and craftsmanship. An unexpected integrity lies within these
walls. The rug weaving future is looking bright here; much
like the dye workshop rooftop where an explosion of jewel-
like colours dry in the fading afternoon sun. QCLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Hanks of wool dry on the rooftop of the
dye workshop; traditional kilims are woven from drawn âcartoonsâ
shown here next to the nished rug; a weaver sits at his vertical loom
weaving a kilim design by handOn the dye workshop rooftop
an explosion of jewel-like
colours dry in the sun
118 H&A SUMMER 2017