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Conservation
The accredited conservators have many years’ experience in the field of carpet conservation. They are specialists in the conservation of European and Oriental carpets including Persian, Axminsters and Aubussons.
The Studio offers broad ranging treatment options for antique and contemporary carpets for display or those that remain functional.
Each treatment option is tailored specifically to the requirements of each rug and carpet.
Remedial treatment including cleaning is carried out at our Studio which has the capacity for oversized carpets.
Where a carpet cannot be moved on-site treatment is offered. On-site treatment can be carried out as part of projects such as ‘conservation in action’ where a room in an historic property in which we are working can remain open to the public throughout the treatment. This enables viewers to observe conservation in progress, which can assist with funding a conservation project.
Treatment on site
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Continuous Professional Development
The conservators adhere to continuous professional development guidelines from organisations such as The Institute of Conservation and The British Antique Furniture Restorers Association.
The Rug & Carpet Studio retains its reputation for high standards of practice with progressive thinking. We keep up to date with the latest techniques accepted within the profession to ensure we are doing our utmost to preserve rugs and carpets.
We carry out research in order to develop new approaches in carpet conservation. We write articles and present lectures to share new methodology.
Lenka Bashford is an accredited member of The Institute of Conservation and The British Antique Furniture Restorers Association.
Treatment to a Scandinavian Sunburst Rya Rug, circa 1960, The Red House, Aldeburgh
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Recent clients
The National Trust. Members of The Historic Houses Association. The Red House, Aldeburgh. Cambridge Colleges.
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Remedial treatment
- Cleaning using a wide range of methods from minimal dust removal to full washing
- Support treatment to fragile rugs and carpets for use on display only
- Robust repairs to functional rugs and carpets
- Hanging systems
- Lining
- Storage and packing advice and assistance
Treatment to moth damage in a Kurgistan felt rug
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Preventive conservation
- Insect Pest Management strategies
- Aftercare reports and routine maintenance training for house staff
- Condition and preventive conservation reports
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Transportation
- Dedicated collection and delivery can be arranged
- Packing advice and assistance
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Information and documentation services
- Condition reports, treatment proposals and estimates followed by post treatment appraisals and after care reports
- Preventive conservation advice including aftercare reports and training for house staff
- Historical research and valuations
- Professional photography for conservation surveys, insurance and sales
- Information sharing within the profession and educating the public, by lecturing on carpet care, history and conservation treatment. The conservators run study days at the Studio to increase public awareness in the field of conservation
- Disaster management consultation and assessment for flood, fire and insect infestations
- On-site collection surveys including history, condition, value and treatment options
- Advice on gaining funding for carpet conservation
- General advice can often be provided from emailed photographs
Fibre analysis
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Reproductions and replacements
Where a carpet is no longer fit for use the Rug and Carpet Studio has a retail department which specialise in sourcing replacements and weaving reproductions.
Occasionally a carpet becomes too fragile to be exposed to potentially damaging environmental conditions such as light, heat and humidity, or physical hazards such as routine cleaning and foot traffic.
Historically important carpets are sometimes made for a particular room. In order to preserve the room’s integrity a fragile carpet such as this can be placed into controlled storage and the original copied.
The Studio produces bespoke designs whether contemporary or based on their catalogue of historic designs.
Our knowledge of historical carpets and settings, combined with our expertise in production enables us to design a carpet which is sympathetic to any room.
Couching onto dyed support fabric
Couching onto dyed support fabric and hanging to display
Couching onto a support fabric with embroidered in-fill
Moth damage, embroidery used to cover and protect visible ground weave
Failing past repair removed. Couching onto a support fabric with embroidered in-fill
Fringe replacement: new fringe is created by stitching threads into linen fabric. The fabric is then attached onto the rug.
Laid couching to a carpet on display
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