Damask Drugget
early 20th c

or carpet/floor protector, of thick woven in beige and ivory linen with a central diamond pattern each containing a stylised flowerhead, the deep border with acorns and oak leaves, 13 x 16 ft 8 in or 3.9 x 5.08 m

Comments

By the second quarter of the 19th century druggets were very wide, being sometimes two yards and sometimes four yards. They are chiefly employed to lay over another carpet, to preserve it when the room is in dailyuse, and only removed for company. Sometimes druggets alone are laid, and when of a handsome brown or marron colour look exceedingly well. They should be very tightly stretched on the floor, so as not t present a wrinkle to view. Workman's Guide p 202(1) These were used under the dining room table, in the late 18th and 19th centuries to protect expensive carpets or floors. This was purchased from a Scottish client who lives in Edinburgh, who remembers it being used in her mother's house in the 1920's. It is in fantastic condition and has the lovely sheen of woven linen. Very good quality and appears hardly used. Acorns and oak leaves, typical of the English countryside, were very popular in the early 19th c during the Napoleonic campaigns. See: (1) Montgomery, Florence M Textiles in America 1650-1870p 226 Bower, Helen Textiles at Temple Newsam p 43 , no 188 for similar.

Condition

The edge has a few little nibbles but very slight and there is one very small area of wear to central field. Photos available.

Price: £300 | $470 | €360

Ref N°: 7043