The Weavers of Spitalfields

The 'Spitalfields' rug is informed by a fragment of original Huguenot crewel work, which provided the starting point for a much larger composition. Its flowers and fruit motifs were enlarged, expanded and reimagined across the rug, retaining the character and vibrant colours of the original while moving away from the density of historic pattern. Silk motifs are worked at a higher pile, lending them emphasis against a wool ground, with a simple lower-pile border, enlivened by stems and vines that creep across it.

Hand-knotted in handspun Ghazni wool, prized in artisan rug making for its durability and softness, with all motifs in silk, the rug references the lustre of the Spitalfields silks for which the area was once famed. It was made in partnership with Turquoise Mountain, the NGO that protects cultural heritage, upholds the highest craft skills and supports the making communities, ensuring that the ambition of the design was matched by the integrity of its making.

This project grew from a shared passion for heritage and textiles. Christopher Farr co-founder Matthew Bourne and Chris Dyson found common ground in their interest in preserving and reinterpreting historic design and conversation quickly turned into a collaboration.Spitalfields, just minutes from both studios, is steeped in the history of weaving. Fleeing religious persecution in France, the Huguenots arrived in the late seventeenth century, bringing exceptional skills that fuelled a period of rapid growth between 1680 and 1720. The area transformed in to a bustling centre of commerce, the Spitalfields silks coveted by the most fashionable the world over.

chris dyson.co.uk

Photographed by Edward Rollitt in a former weavers' loft at 4 Princelet Street, with thanks to the Truman Estate

THE MUSEUM OF THE HOME
We were privileged to be part of London Textile Month 2026 at the Museum of the Home, the rug displayed within the re-imagined 1690s period room presenting the domestic world of a recently arrived Huguenot family establishing a new life in London. For more fascinating stories of the home, visit the museum, located in London's East End, which explores diverse experiences of home through the centuries.

View the Spitalfields rug in the 1690s Room until 18th October 2026.

museumofthehome.org.uk

LEARN MORE & BUY THE BOOK
Soon to be published by Lund Humphries, 'Real Rooms: Creating, Recreating and Visiting Home' from Sonia Solicari, Director of the Museum of the Home, has written a one of a kind sourcebook exploring storytelling with curated domestic interiors. From the perspective of both museum visitors and curators, the book explores how we make sense of the domestic in an ever-changing world.