Canons Ashby’s new staircase carpet

The carpet in the main staircase does a very important job: it protects our vulnerable and historic floor, allowing us to share this house with the many thousands of curious visitors who arrive each year. Our recent modern carpet had got very thin through lots of footsteps, which gave us a chance to choose a new carpet specifically designed for this historic space.

By examining watercolours painted by Clara Dryden in the early 1900’s, a new carpet pattern has been designed, inspired by what was here over 100 years ago. This was created on historic looms by Grosvenor Wilton, one of the UK’s oldest independent carpet manufacturers.

Grosvenor Wilton works with traditional looms that are up to 120 years old, using methods which haven’t changed since 1790, except that they are now powered by electricity.

The new historically accurate carpet has now been installed in the main staircase and ready to protect the floor for future explorers.

Remember to look down and admire what you’re walking over next time you visit.