HALI in London, 23 – 26 June 2015

March 13, 2015

This summer, HALI returns to the Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair 18 – 28 June 2015 with a specialist dealers’ fair. The occasion will provide a hub of collecting activity and HALI have curated a special London based tour package for carpet connoisseurs and enthusiasts 23 – 26 June 2015.

Handknotted carpet (detail) by William Morris, circa. 1880, the designs of which are preserved in the William Morris Gallery archives, 4.11 m square, purchased by the William Morris Gallery with the support of the Monument Trust.

This four-day programme includes:

Tuesday 23 June
Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum archive at the Clothworker’s Centre, Blythe House in the company of two esteemed curators; Rosemary Crill- curator of the major Fabric of India exhibition, opening at the V&A this Autumn, and Moya Carey- curator of the Iranian Collections and will present many important, little seen carpets and fragments from Safavid Iran.

Wednesday 24 June
Get behind-the-scenes at the William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow – a red brick Georgian house that was the Morris’ family home between 1848 and 1856. The 19th century designer, craftsman and activist held a fascination with Persian carpets and played an implemental role in the existence of the collection at the V&A, as demonstrated through the original designs in the extensive museum archives. The Director will also present an important carpet from the collection not normally on display.

Thursday 25 June
A daytrip by luxury coach to Boughton House, Northamptonshire. The French style stately home, labelled the ‘English Versailles’ is privately owned by the Duke of Buccleuh and contains a host of treasures including furniture, tapestries, ceramics, a spectacular 16th century ‘Sanguszko’ carpet and four unusual English knotted carpets dated to 1548, based on Anatolian Star Ushak and Lotto arabesque models. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the house, and a stroll in the gardens surrounded by rural parkland.

Friday 26 June
An afternoon lecture at Olympia and tickets to Masterpiece London at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea where museum-quality works of art, design and antiques are presented by over 150 international galleries.

This is an excellent opportunity to soak up the convivial atmosphere of the summer season in London. The price per person is £350. All transport to venues from Olympia and two lunches are included. Accommodation should be arranged independently. We are able to recommend hotels by request.

Limited places are available. For further information please contact Rachel Meek at [email protected] or +44 (0)207 657 1220

The Buccleuch Sanguszko Carpet with Offset Medallions and Cartouches (detail), 226 x 452 cm, wool pile on a cotton and wool foundation. Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Boughton House, inv. no. 97-502.