In her new collection of rugs, runners and wall hangings ‘Paper and Stone’, Deirdre Dyson explores the qualities of both materials. You’ll find rugs that mimic manipulated paper – ‘Fold Out’ has a border of paper chain figures, while ‘Concertina’ features seven graduated hues of pink to suggest the shadows formed by a folded sheet. Then there are runners with layers of irregular sized stones and wallhangings that feature shards of paper cuttings. We talk to Deirdre about the creation of the pieces and how she took inspiration from the way the Covid pandemic has affected our homes ...
What was the lightbulb moment that sparked the idea behind the collection? I have done quite a few paintings in the past, including one of crumpled paper, and this was my starting point. I also knew that so many of us were working at home in small office spaces and this subject would be appropriate – not too busy and a cosy addition to what is normally a stark area.
What lead you to combine the two: paper and stone? I have recently been making wall panels and the idea came from the childhood game of Scissors, Paper, Stone. I had already thought I’d like to pay homage to the craft of stone-laying, a skill which has become rare, and felt that wallhangings would also enhance the office space and help with softness and acoustics. Something to look at instead of the computer screen!
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How many designs are in the collection? There are seven paper-themed designs and three are stone-inspired. Prices start at £1,080 per square metre for a hand-knotted design in pure wool and silk. All our carpets are bespoke and can be made in any size, shape and colour combination. And we can play around with the way we combine wool with silk too, creating different effects.
Have your feelings towards the home changed this year in light of the pandemic? When I was thinking of a theme for this year’s collection, I considered how we are all spending much more time at home and that it might encourage people to make changes. I thought a calming subject, something we all use, would be good and a quieter colour palette too. My ‘Looking Glass’ collection from last year was quite bright, so this year I wanted to try muted tones to suit the peaceful theme.
How have you adapted to the problems that arose? We don’t entirely rely on being at trade shows like Maison et Objet, although it was sad not be exhibiting there this year. It is valuable mostly to get a first-hand response to my work from a world audience, and it gives visitors a chance to fully appreciate the texture and colours in my designs.
Instead, we created a short film of the new collection and shared it with potential and existing customers. We can work entirely by email, sending colour and carpet samples to clients. Our website displays the whole library of designs. Clients can forward fabric samples for us to match colours against. Video consultations are possible by appointment.
All creations are digitally art-worked and sent online for customers to make choices and decisions. Once design and colours are agreed, the client receives an accurate rendition of their chosen carpet to approve, even showing the texture of the silk and wool materials. Shop the full collection at deirdredyson.com
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