New rugs for 2021

COVER selects eight new rugs from recent launches that represent the best in contemporary design

The Rug Company has joined forces with American glass artist Dale Chihuly to release five limited-edition rugs. Shown here is Rosette, which is based on Chihuly’s Persian Series of blown-glass roundels.

Fields & Forests is a collaboration between Volver and Norwegian artist Andreas Siqueland. The rugs are based on Siqueland’s paintings, with Falling Forest depicting the forest after a storm.

A current major solo exhibition by British artist Cecily Brown at Blenheim Palace includes the artist’s first textile work, Armorial Memento, Floored, 2020. Made by Christopher Farr, it features interpretations of heraldic imagery from the borders of the Marlborough Tapestries.

Rug & Kilim has worked with fine artist Gianni Lee to create this hand-knotted rug. Lee’s work deals with themes such as heritage, conflict, government and anxiety, and he is known for his skeletal figures, a motif which can be seen here.

Ames has added Uilas Noche to its popular Uilas rug series designed by Mae Engelgeer. Black-dyed fique fibre and natural wool are blended with metal threads to create an impression of the night sky over Colombia.

Diurne’s Souffle collection is a homage to J. M. W. Turner, especially his late works where landscapes dissolve into studies of light. Blending wool and silk yarns was key in capturing the colour transitions of the watercolour paintings, requiring great technical expertise. Souffle 02 01 consists of golden tones.

Battilossi’s additions to the Avita collection embody the Italian brand’s ethos: sophisticated rugs with interesting textures designed to work with furniture. Avita sees an exploration of techniques blurring the line between hand-knotted and flatweave.

Chinese company TAN Carpet & Home is known for its collaborations with artists, and its latest line is true to form. Diamond Sky No. 2 comes from Rainbow, a collection by fibre artist Lin Fanglu of wool and silk carpets woven in Nepal, which encourages us to ‘celebrate everyday’.

See COVER 61 for more new rugs from recent launches that represent the best in contemporary design.