Charles Francis Annesley Voysey

the field with a repeat pattern of stylised green and blue flowerheads, within a plain indigo border

Several Donegal carpets, including pieces designed by Voysey and The Silver Studio, were exhibited by Liberty's in their 'Irish Carpet Exhibition' at the Grafton Gallery, Bond Street, London between 7th and 13th March 1903; amongst these was 'The Donnemara' (each carpet design in the exhibition was given the name of an Irish town or village), described in the catalogue as: 'A pleasing rendering of tulips and half blown roses, modulated and blended together with excellent decorative effect. The buds of the tulips, on a plain ground are introduced as a border pattern', (see Malcolm Haslam, Arts and Crafts Carpets, London, 1991, pp.119-120). 'The Donnemara' was produced in several colourways; examples of some of these are illustrated ibid., figs.57 and 58, and figs.77 and 78. For additional comparative examples, see also Sotheby's, London, 20th Century Decorative Arts and Design, 3rd July 2002, lots 19 and 20.