Nourison Rugs
Queen Elizabeth did have at least one English-made carpet, * for the earliest piece now in existence has the royal arms, the I initials "E R," and the date, 1570, woven in the center of the field.
The design is a rather stiff floral motif which repeats over the field. The border is a charming honeysuckle vine. Green is the predominating color which is very un-Oriental.
From this time on, there were a certain number of rugs woven in England, but they were not common. More "turkey work" was done for cushions and table covers than for floor coverings.
And by the beginning of the eighteenth century, the fashion in ladies" handiwork had changed to embroidery.
