The Rug Studio

The Rug Studio is a retail, design and restoration company based in Stamford, Holt and London. Established in this was an expansion of Rachel Bassill Oriental Carpets Established 1994. The Rug Studio’s services include antique pieces, restoration, cleaning as well as recreating antique or contemporary deigns in modern colours and mixing of materials Owner & Director Rachel trained at Art School for 5 years specialising as a rug weaver and then learnt the art of restoration in the UK before training in Turkey to finer her skills. Over a period of 6 years, Rachel trained a team of weavers in India to produce designs and replications of antique carpets. Having built a strong team these skills have been shared, taught and continue to be an integral basis to the skills provided to this day. Discussions with all customers, both corporate and private individuals, aim to ascertaining the end look and desired atmosphere, traffic level and budget. The team also work closed with interior designers to achieve the specifications of the customer. Antique pieces are sourced from the company’s vast collection as well as through national and international dealers. For new pieces production is discussed as to the best country to produce the rug or carpet and end finish. Restoration is discussed similarly as to whether restoration or conservation is best. The extent of the restoration is established as to whether this will detract from the end value or enable the rug to be used for the purpose the client wants. We can advise on the best technique for hanging a piece. Be it on a stretcher to spread the weight and secure the rug from further damage, using the Velcro and baton technique or having a bespoke pole made which slides through a sleeve. This affect is stunning when taking a motif from within the rug through to the end finials on the pole. Cleaning of rugs, carpets, kilims, tapestries and textiles is carried out using traditional techniques.