A Heriz Wool Rug

A Heriz Wool Rug

Circa 1940
10 feet 6 inches x 8 feet 1 inch.

Property from the Collection of Addice and Peter Thomas, Fairfax, Virginia European Furniture & Decorative Arts overall with nice palette, retaining much of the color, with general gradation to some hues, specifically the dark blue to the border, which tends to transition to brown; some scattered areas of low pile and surface wear especially within outer border; selvage ends with some wear and unraveling; the fringe ends with some loss, but retaining fringe

Provenance:
Miriam's Oriental, Tarboro, North Carolina, 1989.

Note:
Addice and Peter Thomas, passionate collectors of American and English antiques, amassed a vast collection over their 60-year marriage. Both were active members of the Washington, D.C. arts community. Peter served as Dean of the Corcoran School of Art and later as Art Director at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Addice studied voice and worked for two decades as the manager of the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center.

As collectors, their focus was primarily on the 18th and 19th centuries, though they occasionally acquired from earlier periods. They frequently sourced their antiques at shops along the east coast and during their annual trips to the United Kingdom.

Their collection is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of items from art, folk art, and decorative arts to sterling silver, tinware, blue granite, pewter, copper and brass. Their collection of English ceramics including ironstone, early Mason’s wares, Gaudy Welsh, Gaudy Dutch, and Staffordshire, numbered in the hundreds. Additionally, they acquired over one hundred Staffordshire figures and child's dishes, Toby jugs, and Dutch ceramics including a striking five-vase garniture. Finally, they had a substantial collection of American and English furniture, child’s furniture and over fifty Persian carpets. Their collection was a testament to their passion for antiques and their dedication to building a truly unique collection.