A weaver’s tale…
In these uncertain economic times, it’s inspirational to come across a man like Roger Oates. His quiet passion for weaving became a thriving business. He’s spent the last forty years making a living doing what he most loves. This month he came to the Fashion and Textile Museum in London to talk with Giles Kime, Interiors Editor of Country Life and I went along.
He began in the 70s weaving rugs as an antidote to the ubiquitous fitted carpet.
Roger Oates and Giles Kime
He began in the 70s weaving rugs as an antidote to the ubiquitous fitted carpet.
Early rug, Roger Oates
He started developing longer rugs for hallways and eventually his style evolved into the contemporary classic stair runners which are now his signature designs.
Early runner, Roger Oates; and image right, my first Roger Oates stair runner, “Sudbury Brick” design.
He loves the idea of taking a complete unit (the stair runner) and finding the endless variables within it. Oates still works with pure wool on hand looms and the traditional flatweave process he favours. By changing his colours, stripes and borders, he doesn’t follow trends but creates a timeless product that constantly appeals. He reminds us that we can afford to be bold with hallway colour schemes and designs, because entrances are there to make an impact and welcome us – we don’t live in them.
