A Donegal carpet after a design by C. F. A. Voysey, Ireland,

'The Donnemara'

The Donnemara was one of several carpets designed by C.F.A. Voysey that were exhibited by Liberty's in their 'Irish Carpet Exhibition' at the Grafton Gallery in Bond Street, London from March 7 to 13, 1903.  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."  Subsequently, The Donnemara carpet  was available in many color schemes and sizes through Liberty's of London, see Haslam, Malcolm, Arts & Crafts Carpets, London, 1991 pp. 119-121. For related examples please Haslam, Malcolm, ibid., figs. 57, 58, 77, 78; Sotheby's New York, June 15, 1994, lot 405; Sotheby's London, 3 July 2002, lots 19 and 20; and lots 185 and 305 in this catalogue.