An impressive 40 ft x 25 ft Axminster carpet that belonged to the fourth son of the first Marquess of Bristol, Lord Arthur Hervey, who served as the Bishop of Bath and Wells between 1869 and 1894, is to be offered at Bonhams, Knightsbridge as part of its sale of Oriental & European Carpets & Rugs on 13th April 2010.
The carpet (estimate £15,000 – 20,000) was in The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Somerset from the late 19th century until 1999. It was previously, by repute, in Windsor Castle where Bishop Hervey’s brother was curator.
Its manufacturer, The Axminster Carpet Factory, enjoyed extensive Royal patronage with both George III and George IV commissioning carpets for various Royal residences.
Other sale highlights include a Tabriz carpet (estimate £35,000 – 40,000) and an unusual silk Kashan rug (estimate £12,000 – 18,000).
www.bonhams.com/carpets