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Not currently on display at the V&A

Floating Smithereens

Carpet Sample
1986 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Carpet sample of wool and nylon pile. Mustard yellow with a geometric design in rust, black and blue. Irregular angular shapes outlined with grey on a ground spotted with ragged-edge patches. The sample does not show a complete pattern repeat. The edges are bound in yellow.

Four frame figured Wilton. The pile is two ply 80% wool, 20% nylon (four colours). Binding warp of cotton. Two adjacent ends bind alternate wefts 2 x 8 ends per inch. Stuffer warp of jute. Weft of hemp or jute. Top and bottom wefts are held apart by the stuffer warp 2 x 9 picks per inch.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleFloating Smithereens (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Wool and nylon pile with cotton and jute warp
Brief description
Carpet sample 'Floating Smithereens' of wool and nylon pile, designed by Natalie du Pasquier and George Sowden for Memphis, made by Steeles Carpets Ltd., Kidderminster, 1986
Physical description
Carpet sample of wool and nylon pile. Mustard yellow with a geometric design in rust, black and blue. Irregular angular shapes outlined with grey on a ground spotted with ragged-edge patches. The sample does not show a complete pattern repeat. The edges are bound in yellow.

Four frame figured Wilton. The pile is two ply 80% wool, 20% nylon (four colours). Binding warp of cotton. Two adjacent ends bind alternate wefts 2 x 8 ends per inch. Stuffer warp of jute. Weft of hemp or jute. Top and bottom wefts are held apart by the stuffer warp 2 x 9 picks per inch.
Dimensions
  • Length: 12.75in
  • Length: 31cm
  • Width: 8.75in
  • Width: 22cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Steeles Carpets Ltd / [and address] / Wilton weave' and 'Quality: Kauri.' (On a label on the reverse)
  • 'Colour match: This pattern is for information only. It is not possible to guarantee an extact colour match' (On a label on the reverse)
  • 'Cleaning instructions: Use a proprietary carpet cleaner as instructed by its manufacturer.' (On a label on the reverse)
  • 'London showroom: Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH' (On a label on the reverse)
Credit line
Given by the manufacturer
Object history
Registered File number 1988/2196.
From one of a range of carpets designed by Natalie du Pasquier and George Sowden of the Memphis group and produced by Steeles Carpets Ltd., the contract division of Tomkinsons of Kidderminster.
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
T.101-1989

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Record createdDecember 17, 2007
Record URL
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