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 This is one of the finest examples of this pattern we've had the pleasure to offer.
The Whittall's moved from England in 1880 to Worcestor, Mass. where they opened their mill in a very small building resembling a school house. They enjoyed most of their success from that time until the great depression and again for the decade following World War 2. The mill and the quality of their goods stood the test of time and remained in business until the late 1950s. Whittall is considered the most recognized name in wilton floor covering. At the height of their empire, they rivaled the success and fortunes of J. P. Morgan. Their highest quality weave, the most superior quality of the entire industry, was established as a household name and their famous "anglo-persian" rugs the envy of every other rug weaving mill in the world.
An army of experts, wide-awake and up-to-date is required to make the raw wool into the finished fabric -- sorting and blending, scouring, drying, preparing, carding or combing, spinning, skeining, scouring again, dyeing, dye-testing, designing, card cutting, weaving, shearing, finishing -- the success of each process assured by the use of the finest machinery and the most efficient of help. The WHITTALL trademark is woven into the back of the rug and is your gaurentee of the highest grade material and workmanship -- unequalled beauty and wear.
CONDITION: The rug shows an overall exceptional mint condition pile with no wear whatsoever. The original fringe is full and intact on both ends. CLEANING: This rug has been professionally hand cleaned by our own conservation team with a restorative thorough washing adhering to National Institute of Textiles and AIC
We do not use ANY optical enhancers of any kind (natural or chemical). Optical enhancers damage and pull dye to the surface of the rug's fibres, slowly stripping colour and character from the wool as the rug continues to age. Beware of descriptions claiming use of such materials and harsh cleaning methods to "brighten, add a sheen, or antique wash" the rugs -- all these methods deteriorate and damage these wonderful vintage and antique pieces beyond repair.
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(American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works) guidelines. The protein and lanolin based soap conditions the natural fibres in the rug and returns the original lustrous character and richness of colour to the wool. No steam extraction methods or chemical detergents were used during the cleaning process. Ever step possible was taken to preserve the historic nature and conserve the rugs condition.
