Have you ever seen a rug that takes your breath away or one that is ‘the’ statement piece in a room? There’s a reason for that. Rugs have been designed by artists for centuries. In fact, rug weavers once wove their names into their designs like artists who sign their paintings. That tradition has sadly faded over time. Often the individuals behind today’s rugs are overlooked. However, as designers, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with rug makers and celebrate their art form.
We’re fortunate to work with renowned artist Rosemary Hallgarten on custom, artisan area rugs for our clients’ homes. Time and time again, we gravitate back to her talents for the interiors we create. You’ll understand why shortly – and probably fall in love with her work just as much as we have.
From jewelry maker to textile artist, British-born Rosemary has always celebrated the tactile sensuality of her materials in her designs. Her collection reflects her varied inspirations, from ancient and modern textiles to art, furniture and fashion. Plus, she is mindful about every step of her production process and makes several conscientious choices along the way.
What makes Rosemary’s designs so special is that she provides sustainable products while supporting the textile artisans in indigenous cultures, such as Peru, Brazil and Nepal. Families and friends – even husband and wives – work side by side dyeing, knotting, weaving and embroidering in their own homes. This eases stress on the artists’ family by allowing them to work in their own environment and choose their own schedule. Sound familiar work-from-home readers?
Second and third generations can master the techniques of rug making alongside their parents, aunts and uncles, so they too can carry on the family tradition and earn their own living one day. Rosemary, herself, learned her craft the same way. She followed in the footsteps of her mother Gloria Finn, who partnered with Milton Avery, Theodoros Stamos, Hans Mueller and Anni Albers in Italy to interpret their paintings as floor coverings.
Rosemary takes her philosophy in rug making one step farther than most. She does not allow child laborers in her production line of rug making. We at taste hold a great appreciation for her involvement in GoodWeave, which shares best practices for eliminating child labor in supply chains. She also is
adamantly against the destruction of Amazon forests or other indigenous forests and wetlands to source any of the materials used in her rugs. Rosemary only uses locally grown plants and fibers which supports nearby farmers in the same communities as the weavers. Today, this commitment to craft and craftspeople remains central to her firm’s mission. If only more people like Rosemary designed and operated in the manufacturing world. (Let her be an inspiration to other makers + manufacturers!)
Stay tuned for an announcement of our grand opening event later this fall where you can see one of Rosemary Hallgarten’s area rugs installed in the House of Taste.
All the best,
