A George III Axminster carpet, England

Dildarian, Inc., New York

Pile ranges from approximately good 1/6th of an inch to low to knotheads. Right side with an approximately 2 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet stepped fireplace reweave. Left and right side outer egg and dart border rewoven and a few very small reweaves in one area of field. Old reweaves well executed. Fireplace reweave and minor reweaves mostly distinguished by slightly different color. Scattered foldwear. Ends secured with chain stitch. Lower end with a small 1 inch area of starting foldwear slits. Supple handle, good pile, very good overall condition for age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

On a 1754 trip to London, Thomas Whitty (1713-1792), a cloth weaver from Axminster, Devon saw a Turkish knotted pile carpet for the first time.  Whitty was so impressed that on June 21, 1755, he and his family began to weave their first carpet.  In 1756 Whitty won joint first prize in a competition for carpets sponsored by the Society of Arts and Sciences and engaged a London agent for the sale of his production.  By 1782, the Axminster factory, now known as Thomas Whitty and Son, was flourishing and remained in the Whitty family until 1835 when it was sold to Blackmore and Sons of Wilton.  At the time that the present carpet was woven, the Axminster factory was at the height of its reputation and the Royal seal of approval was given by a visit from George III in 1789.  Commissions from the British royal family and the aristocracy now followed.  For a more thorough discussion of British carpet production, please see Sarah B. Sherrill, Carpets and Rugs of Europe and America, New York, 1996, chapter 5, pp. 131-237.

The roundel surrounded by a lush floral wreath at the center of this carpet closely resembles those on the large Axminster carpet in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace, see Bertram Jacobs, Axminster Carpets, Leigh-on-Sea, 1970, pl. 7.  These two carpets also share the bold swirling acanthus rinceaux supporting the medallion(s) on a solid-colored ground.  All of these design elements are rendered in a variety of vibrant colors that are a distinguishing characteristic of 18th-century Axminster weavings.  Related examples that have sold at auction include two carpets from the collection of Mr and Mrs Gordon Getty, sold Sotheby's New York, November 12, 1999 lots 407 and 416;  a carpet from the collection of the late Lord and Lady Iliffe of Basildon Park, offered Christie's London, 5 June 2008, lot 8; and a carpet sold in these rooms, 15 December 1994, lot 253.