In apparent reaction to the redeveloping tone and stance of The Ruggist, I was asked recently what things I think are imperative for the rug industry to change during these times of Covid. After the paramount and equal concerns of humanity and environment, foremost is that we must embrace honesty. Advertising and marketing, salesmanship, and yes of course my own critique of rugs and carpets must not only welcome the truth, but must also champion it above what is often not-so-politely called ‘bullshit.’ That era my friends has past; unfortunate as that may be as I myself have been know to write some great bee-ess.

Reflecting upon this moment in history, and moreover the demands it has placed on all of humanity, it has become clear we truly have little idea how to take care of ourselves. Yes, it is true we marginally know how to take care of some of it, but we unequivocally do not know how to take care of the disparate demands of society, civilization, and the individual. Look around with open eyes and that much is clear. Thus, for those who choose to work in the rug and carpet trade, there is – and perhaps there always was – a moral imperative to craft a luxurious product which respects not only the humans involved, but also the planet; the two are inextricably intertwined.

Certainly there will be those who cling to what has been, to power structures that favour themselves, to systematically unfair labour practices, to a world in which luxury wares such as handknotted rugs and carpets are often made as inexpensively as possible to thus ensure maximum exploitive profit for a select few. These ideas belong to some elitist elysian days of the past no longer suitable for modern man. This is now the raison d’être of The Ruggist, to align with those who see a different – and better – path forward. I look forward to sharing with you what I uncover on this journey of discovery. Godspeed.