August 2020 Archives

Commercial Value | Monologue

24 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

‘Limited commercial value…’ is a phrase one will undoubtably read or overhear if one is to spend any amount of time dealing within the antique and collectable segment of the rug and carpet trade. Its use, seemingly at once condescending and pompous, is oft part of a compliment sandwich akin to: ‘It’s a beautiful example of [BLANK], of limited commercial value, but serviceable and hard wearing. Keep it if you love it!’ The question I now ask somewhat rhetorically of these learned aficionados of past glories is thus: ‘What, exactly, gives any old, worn, antique, vintage, or to be fully encompassing, extant rug or carpet its ‘commercial value?’

Ephemeral Modernity | Monologue

21 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

To embrace modern design and all which it entails is to place oneself at the uneasy crux betwixt the past and the future; only by first examining thoroughly what has been done before prior to folding in the techniques, materials, and technology of today can the modernist craft something in tune with the requirements of this era. By discarding faux notions of aesthetics defined as traditional, modern, contemporary, or the most lazy minded transitional, et alia the modernist designs and crafts for the needs and wants of today.

Singular Ornamentation | Monologue

20 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

‘I am an artist-ornamentalist,’ said Pierre Marie when I interviewed him prior to publishing my article on his spectacular tapestry ‘Ras El Hanout.’ Defined by the adroit Pierre Marie as ‘Someone that has the talent and the knowledge to decorate any surface with a story, a pattern, a frieze,’ he further adds that ‘…some media are more hungry for drawing than others; and textile is definitely one of them.’

Want for Nothing | Monologue

16 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

‘If you want for nothing, then that is what you shall receive.’ One could argue the successes and innovations of this era of carpetry have brought with them great indulgences and luxury, and indeed they have, yet at what cost? Twenty-five years ago I began selling rugs and carpets and at that time a customised rug was a rarity reserved for only special clientele. A fully bespoke carpet?

Intrinsic Value | Monologue

10 August 2020 Michael Christie Monologue

It’s a check, plain and simple; or is it… …simple? With its delightful colouration, this interpretation of a classic motif brings together myriad cultures, techniques, and materials into beautiful form. Called ‘Shomick’ by Odegard Carpets when the firm first introduced their version of the design to Western eyes, the checkerboard is a motif well known not only within Tibetan weaving communities from which the design was then ‘adapted,’ but also the world over; in short, it’s ubiquitous.