Skip to content

CLICK HERE to subscribe and ‘opt-in’ to Deirdre Dyson emails about news, events, collections and our blog Dismiss


Share this post

The Tale of the Prince and the Magic Carpet

The Prince and the Magic Carpet

This beautifully illustrated children’s book The Tale of the Prince and the Magic Carpet was written by James Dyson’s father Alec, whilst posted in India during the Second World War.

The Prince and the Magic Carpet

The book, published by Blackie & Son of London and Glasgow, was inspired by his surroundings and was written for and features his three children – a blonde James and his brother and sister.

The Prince and the Magic Carpet

Whilst discussing blog content, Alice (our Head of Contract Sales and Marketing) suggested exploring the origins of the magic carpet at which point Deirdre mentioned this book.

The Prince and the Magic Carpet

We thought it would be lovely to share some of its beautiful illustrations and background with you.

The Prince and the Magic Carpet

Only one tatty copy of the novel remains which James Dyson has now copied for his siblings and grandchildren to enjoy.  A lovely legacy given that Alec Dyson died when James was only 9 and a wonderful link to Deirdre’s passion for carpet design.

The Prince and the Magic Carpet


Share this post

Shape-shifting STREAMER

We’ve just delivered a round version of STREAMER to a client in the US and it’s a great example of a how a design can be adapted.

Shape-shifting STREAMER

Our sample carpets are generally produced as rectangles to a standard size of 1.7m x 2.35m but as with colour, size and shape can be altered to suit, in this case our Designer Nichola created a circular version only marginally altering Deirdre’s original design.

Shape-shifting STREAMER

Here’s a shot of the carpet on the loom in Nepal, the client chose to keep Deirdre’s original colour choice.

Shape-shifting STREAMER

This is a portion of the finished carpet being checked in our showroom, not the greatest image but it does give a real sense of the fluid effect created by the two shades of red silk used in the streamer.

Shape-shifting STREAMER

Finally, the finished carpet in its new home.

Shape-shifting STREAMER

The ribbon is one of Deirdre’s signature motifs and STREAMER is understandably a hugely popular design, we’ve even produced it as a stair runner for a JIGSAW clothing store.

Shape-shifting STREAMER


Share this post

Architect@Work

Architect@Work showcases innovations in architecture and design and new products from across the globe at various locations worldwide.

Our Parisian representative Agnes Guillard visited the Paris edition of A@W in November. Here she selects her stand-out products and picks from the show:

Nobilis

Nobilis

A new wallpaper collection from Nobilis with silver and gold finishes caught Agnes’ eye.

Metallics aren’t going anywhere, see Edison’s recent post on utilising silver and gold in interiors.

James

James

Agnes was very taken by the bold colour-ways and innovative embossed work in this presentation of a new process called SWOOM by French Cabinetmakers and Designers James. The surface applications for SWOOM are endless.

Normandy Ceramics

Normandy Ceramics

Again intense colours and bold graphics single out these traditionally made tiles with a 21st Century twist from Normandy Ceramics.

Marburg by Sedim

Marburg by Sedim

Bold pattern, geometric relief work and clever use of metallics in this graphically strong offering from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wallpaper and wall coverings.

Odilon Creations

Odilon Creations

Belgian Surface Designers Odilon Creations draw upon their passion for materials and colour to design revised and reinterpreted materials into a contemporary context using ancient techniques.


Share this post

Timothy Hatton’s Human Nature installation at Aqua Shard

Architect Timothy Hatton, who was responsible for re-modelling our 554 Kings Road showroom into a stunning gallery space last year, recently unveiled his latest project Human Nature – a vast triple height Christmas installation at Aqua Shard, London.

Human Nature

Human Nature

Human Nature was designed by Tim to remind us of the importance of protecting our fragile eco system through recycling and features thousands of recycled plastic 3D printed leaves of native English woodland species such as English Oak and Silver Birch. The structure is also enhanced by specialist lighting designed by Lighting Design International.

The installation was commissioned to commemorate patron of the charity Fauna & Flora International, Sir David Attenborough’s, 90th birthday.

After the installation is dismantled, individual pieces of the artwork will be available for sale. Of these, 90 sets will be produced as limited edition collections which will be raffled by purchasers of single and multiple leaves. All proceeds will directly benefit Fauna and Flora International.

Human Nature

For details of how to purchase leaves click here

Human Nature is on view until 5th January 2017.


Share this post

A Date for your Diary!

Now an established highlight of the season, the annual Chelsea Design Quarter‘s (CDQ) Summer Street Party takes place on Wednesday 7th June between 6-9pm.

This year’s theme is ‘Circus’ with the hub of the party running from the ‘bridge to the bend’ stretch of the Kings Road and late opening of all participating showrooms.

Browse the wide variety of interiors businesses the quarter has to offer whilst you enjoy drinks, nibbles and circus-inspired street entertainment.

CDQ has over 50 member showrooms covering carpets and lighting, fabrics and furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, antiques and collectibles, prints and paintings and bespoke galore. Classic and traditional sit cheek by jowl with contemporary and modern – the Summer Street Party is the ideal time to explore our very special part of South West London!

Follow @ChelseaQuarter for more information.

Save

Save

Save


Share this post

Introducing Chris – Trade Sales Manager

We’re delighted Chris has joined the team here at Deirdre Dyson heading up Trade Sales.

Chris has thrived on creating positive working relationships with both clients and colleagues his entire career – whether managing large enterprises in the high street or latterly smaller, high-end interiors brands in the Chelsea Design Quarter.

Chris not only brings a background in interior and product design but is an award-winning stylist of luxury events and exhibitions, this eye for design coupled with a natural charm and wit makes him the ideal representative for Deirdre Dyson in the UK and beyond.

We had a few questions for Chris:

You’ve been here just over a month Chris, how have you found it?

Settling in nicely and thoroughly enjoying my new position. Apart from the team making me very welcome, the gallery is a place that feels very special. It displays the artwork with maximum effect and easy to view thanks to the sliding walls system. I have also been amazed at the choice of colours available (over 5000). Offering such a bespoke service allows clients to match very specific colours when required.

From the choice of Deirdre Dyson designs, is there a particular favourite that you have and if so, why?

The more I look at Deirdre’s designs, the more I appreciate them but SKYSCAPE from our new Horizons Collection is a definite favourite. The soft, gentle shapes and subtly graded colour palette, creates a wonderful dreamlike appeal.

As a member of CDQ, is there a particular company or showroom within the vicinity that you like or would recommend to others?

I have been a fan of our neighbouring showroom, Haute Deco long before I was working in CDQ. They have an outstanding collection of unusual and beautiful drawer and door hardware. Their designs can transform virtually any piece of furniture or door into a very special piece.


Share this post

Edison’s Picks from Maison & Objet Hall 8

We love to report back on favourite spots and trends from interiors exhibitions, especially Maison & Objet Paris.

We’ve been regular exhibitors at Maison every January for the past five years launching Deirdre’s new rug collections.

This year we’re showcasing neighbouring stands at our new location in Hall 8, the ‘Forever Signature’ Hall, which featured an array of high-end furniture, china and bedlinen brands.

Edison captured some of the things which caught his eye over the five days.

Practical and Beautiful. The superbly tactile, curves of hand-turned walnut in the sculptural VERTIGO coat hook by Nomon designed by Stefano Bigi 

Murano glass brought bang up to date with bold detail and vibrant colours on the Carlo Moretti stand.

Incredible matt black glass vases by Guaxs

The trippy perfection of the Emanuel Ungaro Home stand.

Created by the perfect combination of color, energy and shape, Souk mirrors reflect the influences of overwhelming and visually fascinating Souk markets in northern Africa with its vibrant fringes and earthy colors resembling typical macramé techniques, spotted on the Dooq stand.

Fun gin bottles on the Sieger by Furstenberg stand who employed a Mixologist to create delightful cocktails in their wonderful crystal!

Brand new colour variations and a different take on cut glass in these lamps by Vista Alegre

 


Share this post

The Difference Between Hand Knotted and Machine-Made Rugs

Deirdre Dyson Exclusive Carpets and Rugs FEATHERBOUND

A hand knotted rug is a significant investment, the time, effort and skill involved in creating your custom rug or carpet cannot be rushed and depends on the highest-level artisan skills of our Nepalese weavers.

Hand knotting has always been Deirdre Dyson’s preferred method of rug manufacture but there are of course cheaper machine-made alternatives.

The processes involved in creating a hand knotted rug cannot be rushed, starting with the initial design consultation and design work which takes as long as required to realise your perfect rug design and colourways.

Once artwork has been agreed it is then sent to Nepal where the design is templated and the chosen yarn is carded, spun and dyed precisely by eye.

The rug is then woven by hand to knot precision, followed by the final stages of washing, trimming, carving and edging.

Each of these processes are considered tasks where attention to detail is of paramount importance.

Your finished hand knotted rug is a unique item designed to last a lifetime but why do we recommend this form of manufacture over any other and how does it compare with mass market, machine-made rugs?

Here are a few of the reasons you might choose a hand knotted rug:

Hand Knotted Rugs

BESPOKE

Deirdre Dyson SEASCAPE hand knotted graded wool and silk

All our hand knotted rugs are bespoke, created from or inspired by one of Deirdre’s existing rug designs in your preferred size and in a colourway entirely tailored to your room or scheme.

Our hand knotted rugs are woven in 100% Tibetan wool and/or pure silk with the direct input of Deirdre and her experienced team.

We advise on a size to perfectly fit your room and spend time considering design options that work with your scheme and furniture placement.

Colour is key – we match from our collection of over 5,000 wools and silks – taking time to observe colours and colour pairings in different lights and matching them accurately to key elements in an interior as required.

QUALITY

All Deirdre Dyson’s hand knotted rugs are woven in 100 knots per square inch (unbelievably an area the size of a postage stamp) creating a lush, dense pile.

For some intricate designs such as PLUMES this increases to 150 knots and Deirdre has also created fine wall hangings which are manufactured in an incredible 200 knots per square inch.

Nothing compares to the feel of hand knotted Tibetan wool and pure  silk underfoot; the deep pile is luxury itself and the all-natural materials are incomparable.

NATURAL

Deirdre Dyson never uses man made materials and only uses the highest quality Tibetan wool and pure silk in her hand knotted designs.

These natural materials have a delicacy and luxe feel that is impossible to replicate with synthetic fibres and additionally hold dyes in a distinctive way.

Tibetan wool is renowned for its softness and lustre due to its high lanolin content which also acts as a natural stain repellent.

The use of silk highlights design elements and adds sheen and lightness to a finished design.

The ultimate luxury is a 100% silk hand knotted rug such as Deirdre’s SEAWASH graded carpet where the success of the design depends on the graduated lustre created by Deirdre’s’ carefully selected silks.

CHEQUERED
Deirdre Dyson Exclusive Carpets and Rugs CHEQUERED graded wool and silk rug

ARTISAN

The skills of our Nepalese weavers are ancient, the art of hand knotting has barely changed over the ages.  The tools used are handmade and have remained the same for centuries.

Ordering a bespoke rug not only creates something beautiful and unique but also preserves these incredible skills, providing vital employment and income for weavers and their families.

ETHICS

Our Nepalese manufacturer employs about 145 local people. Out of these 115 are weavers and amongst them 93 are women. Weaving proves an essential source of income for women who otherwise have very little prospect of earning a decent livelihood in Nepal.

We are also proud partners of GoodWeave International, a network of non-profit organizations dedicated to ending illegal child labour in the rug making industry. We adhere to their standards and all our carpets bear the GoodWeave label.

GoodWeave has helped dramatically reform the hand-knotted carpet industry in India, Nepal and Pakistan. Its model centres on extensive monitoring and auditing at every stage of the supply chain.

Deirdre Dyson Exclusive Carpets and Rugs Harlequin

HEIRLOOMS

Ultimately Deirdre Dyson’s rugs are heirlooms and designed to last.

Wool and silk are by nature robust materials and by following our care instructions these rugs can be enjoyed for generations.

When you buy a bespoke hand knotted rug you are purchasing a contemporary collectable, an artwork for the floor which transcends trends and changing fashions.

Machine Made Rugs:

For an economical floor covering where colour matching and uniqueness is not a priority machine made rugs are a good alternative.

PRICE

The obvious benefit of a machine-made rug is price.  Machine made rugs are ultimately the cheaper alternative.

Mass-market rugs are produced in quantity and of course are less labour intensive leading to lower price points.

SPEED

Machine made rugs are woven on a Power Loom which means they can be made relatively quickly.  The long lead time required for a hand knotted rug to be manufactured can be a problem if deadlines are imminent.

QUALITY

The overall compromise with a machine-made rug will always be quality – a machine made rug can never equal that of a hand knotted rug.

The pile is never as dense and in creating a formulaic design there is a definite loss of character and ‘flatness’ to the finished carpet.  All the charm and uniqueness of a bespoke carpet is lost.

MATERIALS

Whilst machine-made rugs can be manufactured in wool, in most cases materials tend to be cheaper Synthetics such as nylon, acrylic, polyester and viscose.

Synthetic colours tend to be brasher and lack the subtly and intensity of hand dyed yarns.

Of course, with a machine-made rug you don’t have the option of bespoke colour choices to suit your specific interior.

ETHICS

A huge consideration in buying carpets and rugs is ethics.  The use of slave and particularly child labour in carpet making is an ongoing concern, hence our membership of Goodweave.

Making sure supply chains are constantly monitored and there is monitored commitment from the manufacturer regarding working conditions and fair pay is something that cannot be overlooked however ‘reasonably’ priced a carpet of any type is.  As consumers it is essential we ensure our purchase is manufactured ethically and ultimately fairly.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Most machine-made rugs use synthetic fibres, glues and dyes, most of which can release CFCs into your home and our environment.  Unlike a hand knotted rug which uses natural materials which will ultimately biodegrade, the environmental impact of mass market, cheaper rugs is a concern.


Share this post

The Beauty of Simplicity – Deirdre Dyson finds inspiration inside for her 2021 Rug Collection

We’ve focused on creativity and staying #INspired during lockdown.  Deirdre has also been busy, using this time at home to work on next year’s rug collection.

Initially started at the London Gallery and continuing from her studio at home, Deirdre always begins work on new collections in February/March, nearly one year ahead of launch, at January’s Maison et Objet Paris.  In this sense lockdown couldn’t have come at a better time.  So without giving too much away here is a sneak peak of what is to come.

Having to be just as resourceful during these difficult times, Deirdre decided to find inspiration away from the natural world, focussing on the ‘inside’ rather than the ‘outside’ and using an everyday material, that is to hand.

Deirdre is exploring this simple idea in depth, to see how much variation can be made from it whilst still being recognisable for what it is, with particular emphasis on form, texture, light and shade.

Having briefly explored this in the past, Deirdre Dyson has found another opportunity to rediscover ways in which to manipulate the material into interesting designs and forms for development.

A deviation from past collections, 2021 will focus on the ‘beauty of simplicity’ in a world that has now become rather more complicated.

All will be revealed next year but in the meantime these inspired new designs are soon to be woven by our skilled Nepalese craftspeople observing social distancing and we’re excited to unveil them at Maison in January next year.