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8' 10" x 12' Decorative 1930's Wool Wilton Rug.
CONDITION & CLEANING: The rug has an overall good consistent pile with some minor small low areas which are shown details in close-ups below. There is one low area midway along the left hand side of the rug. The original fringe is intact on both ends, but shows a little loss at one corner. 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 (American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works) guidelines. 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. When replacing fringes, we weave and match historically accurate materials and fringe styles to retain the original character of the rug. Fringes are properly sown on the rug, in the original method. We do not glue fringes. We do not use "stock" oriental fringes from oriental rug dealers in New York or abroad. We do not cut, shorten, or "straighten" ends or in anyway take away from the body or structure of the rug. Beware of fringe replacements that have shortened, cut, and surged ends to put a new fringe on -- these unethical and unsound methods destroy the rug and significantly reduce the value of these pieces. Inappropriate fringe replacement can be seen when the end and/or gaurd borders mysteriously disappear under fringe or are missing from the pattern.
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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.